International Standard Serial Numbers (ISSN) are available free to New Zealand publishers of magazines, newsletters and other serials.
An ISSN is a unique eight-digit code, which should always be printed exactly as given, for example, ISSN 1173-201X.
In New Zealand, ISSN are provided by the New Zealand ISSN Centre, operating within the National Library. The ISSN International Centre, in Paris, coordinates the ISSN identification system. Details of all serial titles are sent to the International Centre where the information is lodged in the ISSN Register.
Participating in this system is optional but highly recommended as it gives your publication a global audience.
Download a printable ISSN application form
Serial publications
A serial is a publication issued in successive parts identified by a number and/or a date, linked by a common title and intended to continue indefinitely. These include:
- magazines
- newspapers
- annual publications (such as reports, yearbooks and directories)
- journals
- monographs-in-series – publications issued with two titles: a common title (series title) which links them to other publications in that series, and an individual title.
Serials can be published in printed form or in other formats including microfiche, microfilm, CD-ROM or online. Serials do not include loose-leaf publications intended to be updated.
When you need an ISSN
An individual ISSN is assigned at the ISSN Librarian’s discretion to:
- a serial title, whether new or a change of title
- each continuing, separately numbered supplement to a serial
- each numbered monographic series
- some serials where the issuing body changes its name
- each format of a serial issued in more than one medium concurrently, for example, print and CD-ROM.
You must notify us of any upcoming title change, and avoid printing an old ISSN on a new title, as a new number may be required. When the publication of a serial ceases, the ISSN assigned to that serial’s title must never be reused.
Benefits of having an ISSN
An ISSN provides a serial title with a 'fingerprint' that allows publishers, book suppliers and libraries to easily locate and order it.
The ISSN Register provides publication details of serials from all over the world, and gives your publication a global audience.
How to apply for an ISSN
You can request an ISSN by using the online form, or by phoning, writing, faxing or emailing us (contact details are provided at the end of this page). We will process your application within two working days. If your request is urgent, please contact us by email or telephone. Please ensure you supply the following information:
- title
- numbering system on the first issue (for example, vol. 1, no. 1, date, etc)
- frequency
- publication date of first issue
- average size of each issue (for example, approximately 40 pages per issue)
- name, address and contact phone number of publisher.
You can often reserve an ISSN at the pre-publication stage to ensure that the first issue of a new serial bears the correct ISSN. However, we must sight a copy of the serial title before it can be registered.
Download a printable ISSN application form
Using your ISSN
- Printed serial: the ISSN should be printed on the top right-hand corner of the front cover or in a prominent position (for example, the masthead) on every issue of your serial.
- Non-print formats: the ISSN should be displayed on all accessible eye-readable portions (for example, container labels, fiche headers, disc labels) as well as on the title screen or main menu of electronic serials.
- Monographs-in-series: the ISSN should be printed near the series title in a prominent position, either on the title page or cover, or both.
Legal Deposit
You are required to supply copies of your publication to the National Library, as specified in the National Library of New Zealand (Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa) Act 2003.
Contact the New Zealand ISSN Centre
| Contact Us | New Zealand ISSN Centre |
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