ries@venice.SEDD.TRW.COM (Marc Ries) (11/29/89)
I have seen several "small-time" newsletters/digests that include
an "ISBN" number.
Which brings up two questions:
1) Do you need one? If not, what are the advantages of having one
(for a limited circulation publication)?
2) How would you go about obtaining one? If this involves the
Library of Congress, does anyone have their address handy?
Thanks in advance,
--
Marc Ries
ries@venice.sedd.trw.com (ARPA)
somewhere!trwind!venice!ries (UUCP)
#include <std.disclaimer>kurt@nwnexus.WA.COM (Kurt Cockrum) (11/30/89)
In article <172@venice.SEDD.TRW.COM> ries@venice.sedd.trw.com (Marc Ries) writes: > Which brings up two questions: > > 1) Do you need one? If not, what are the advantages of having one > (for a limited circulation publication)? Booksellers use ISBN's and ISSN's (International Standard Serial Number) to order books and serials. Librarians find these useful, too. The idea is to have these numbers uniquely identify a publication down to the edition level (1st. ed, 2nd. ed, etc.), so a bookstore proprietor, librarian or whatever in any part of the world can order an ISBN'ed item unambiguously. > > 2) How would you go about obtaining one? If this involves the > Library of Congress, does anyone have their address handy? The information I have is rather old [1979 :), but this program is pretty stable]. For ISBN info write to: International Standard book Numbering Agency 1180 Avenue of the Americas New York NY 10036 For ISSN information write to: National Serials Data Program Library of Congress Washington DC 20540 Hope you find this useful. -- Kurt Cockrum, P. O. Box 47111, Seattle, Ecotopia (formerly WA 98146 USA). voice: (206)762-6417. uucp: ..!uunet!thebes!{camco,nwnexus}!kurt .
kipd@hpclad2.HP.COM (Kip Davidson) (12/01/89)
>/ hpclad2:comp.text / ries@venice.SEDD.TRW.COM (Marc Ries) / 8:29 am Nov 28, 1989 / > > I have seen several "small-time" newsletters/digests that include > an "ISBN" number. > > Which brings up two questions: > > 1) Do you need one? If not, what are the advantages of having one > (for a limited circulation publication)? > > 2) How would you go about obtaining one? If this involves the > Library of Congress, does anyone have their address handy? > > Thanks in advance, > >-- >Marc Ries > ries@venice.sedd.trw.com (ARPA) > somewhere!trwind!venice!ries (UUCP) > #include <std.disclaimer> >---------- I think you have to contact the U.S. rep for numbers (An libraries can tell you who it is [I think its R.R. Bauker]). Also there is an ANSI standard for how to formulate ISNB numbers. If you want I can e-mail you the number . Kip Davidson Internet : kipd@hpclad2.HP.COM
jones@optilink.UUCP (Marvin Jones) (12/09/89)
In article <172@venice.SEDD.TRW.COM>, ries@venice.SEDD.TRW.COM (Marc Ries) writes: > > I have seen several "small-time" newsletters/digests that include > an "ISBN" number. > > Which brings up two questions: > > 1) Do you need one? If not, what are the advantages of having one > (for a limited circulation publication)? > > 2) How would you go about obtaining one? If this involves the > Library of Congress, does anyone have their address handy? > > Thanks in advance, > > -- > Marc Ries In a previous career incarnation I started a newsletter/magazine about electronic music which later grew to full fledged newsstand circulation on an international basis, so I have some familiarity with this. Exact details are fuzzy, but here is what I recall. First, for periodical publications, the serial numbers are known as ISSN numbers. In all other respects, they are the same as book numbers. In general, you don't need an ISSN number unless a) you want to be recognized by the Library of Congress, or b) you are moving towards newsstand circulation, in which case the ISSN number serves as your "stock number" for distributors and buyers. The first case could be important for technical publications which may be frequently referenced or used in universities, etc. As I recall, the assignment process was handled by the L of C, and was a simple single form application. They also wanted back issues of the publication for their archives (and as proof of publication), and they wanted 2 copies of all future issues as they were published. The same office which handles ISSN numbers also assigns ISBN numbers. In our case, we irregularly published some books and series of reprints, so were assigned a block of master numbers for use in serializing our bound publications as well. As I recall, the people involved were always very patient and helpful. Much better than many government agencies I have dealt with. Best of luck with your publication. Regards,