Path: utzoo!attcan!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!mailrus!cs.utexas.edu!sun-barr!lll-winken!tekbspa!optilink!jones
From: jones@optilink.UUCP (Marvin Jones)
Newsgroups: comp.text
Subject: Re: Obtaining an ISBN number?
Message-ID: <2751@optilink.UUCP>
Date: 8 Dec 89 23:19:02 GMT
References: <172@venice.SEDD.TRW.COM>
Distribution: usa
Organization: Optilink Corporation, Petaluma, CA
Lines: 48

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,