What is the ISSN
The ISSN - International Standard Serial Number - is an international tool for identifying serial publications. Serial publications are published successively under the same name, usually with a serial number. Their publication has no predetermined end. Examples of serial publications are periodicals, newspapers, annuals (reports, yearbooks, directories, etc.), the journals, series, proceedings, transactions , of societies, etc.

Purpose of the ISSN
This mark of identification enables rapid and accurate location of a serial publication, whether for commercial or library use. Librarians use it to identify and locate the publications and publishers use it for location, marketing and commerce.

Structure of the ISSN
The ISSN fixed structure consists of an eight-digit number divided into two groups of four digits each and separated by a hyphen (for example, 0793-1234). The letters ISSN precede the entire number.

Printing of ISSN
The ISSN is printed on the publication itself, in a conspicuous location. The preferred location on a periodical is in the upper right hand corner of the cover page. Other good locations are the masthead area, the copyright page or in the publishing statement.

The ISSN International Center
The ISSN International Center, located in Paris, was founded in 1977 and is funded by UNESCO and the national centers. The assignment of numbers and the central registration are done in Paris and all numbers assigned by the Israeli center are passed
along to it.

The ISSN Register
The ISSN International Center puts out a catalog of serial publications that are registered with the Center. The catalog is published yearly and is distributed on CD and on the internet.

How many serial publications have been registered in Israel?
4,800 serial publications have registered in the center in Israel. The main problem is the transliteration of the Hebrew titles. The Israeli Center for Libraries lists the transliterated titles according
to ISO 259-1948(E).

To Order ISSN Please Contact

Haviva Shmueli
Tel. 03-6180151 (ext. 115)
Fax. 03-5798048
e-mail isbn@icl.org.il

ISSN Application Form