The specific functions of ISSN include: identifying various printed or electronic publications; Provide users with reliable retrieval and access; Improve the visibility and exposure of publications; It is convenient for warehouse management and periodical management. ISSN is formulated, managed and popularized by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and international organizations that publish relevant documents. ISSN Center is responsible for the registration and distribution of ISSN. At present, there are 86 ISSN centers in the world, including the ISSN center in China.

ISSN can also be used to obtain library services all over the world, and it can be used together with ISBN number, DOAJ index and other document information management signs, so that periodicals can be more widely contacted and utilized by users. ISSN is only applicable to serial publications. For discontinuous publications such as books, another international standard number should be used: ISBN (International Standard Book Number).

ISBN is the standard number for coding and marking books, which consists of 13 digits, including the country or language area code of the top three publishers; The next set of numbers represents the number of the publisher; Then the number of the book; The last bit is the check code, which is used to verify whether other digital inputs are correct.

Similar to ISSN, ISBN is a global standard number for the convenience of book management and retrieval, and it is also distributed free of charge. ISBN can be used to obtain services such as global book sales, lending and management, and can also be used in conjunction with other related logos (such as ISSN and DOI). ) to improve the accessibility and usability of books.

ISSN distribution model

ISSN distribution is the responsibility of ISSN centers in various countries. Applications for ISSN publications can be sent through the website or e-mail of ISSN Center, and corresponding information should be filled in, including publication name, publication date, publisher, publication place, language, etc. Applicants need to provide accurate information and materials, and ensure their legality and authenticity.

ISSN Center will review the application materials to ensure that the applied publications meet the application requirements of ISSN. After approval, ISSN Center will assign a unique ISSN number and notify the applicant. Applicants can put the serial number in the appropriate position of the publication, which is convenient for readers to find and use.

ISSN is an identification number specially designed for serial publications, which is only applicable to publications with serial publishing plans, such as periodicals and newspapers. At the same time, the ISSN application should comply with relevant national or regional laws and regulations to ensure the accuracy and legality of the information.