ISSN Uplink Fast FAQs
What is ISSN Uplink?
ISSN Uplink is a web-based system to apply for ISSN, track the progress of your application, and communicate with the U.S. ISSN Center. ISSN Uplink replaces all of the U.S. ISSN Center’s previous application processes as of November 23, 2020.
Who can use Uplink—do I have to be a publisher?
Anyone can use Uplink to apply for ISSN. Accounts are available for staff from organizations of all kinds as well as for self-publishers.
How much does it cost to use Uplink or get an ISSN?
There is no charge to use Uplink. ISSN are free for users in the United States.
How do I create an account?
First, create a username and password for an individual account. During the registration process you will be asked to provide basic contact information for yourself and your organization. You will be able to invite others in your organization to join your organization’s team(s). Once your registration is complete, you can follow the instructions in Uplink to submit an ISSN application.
What is a “team” and do I have to create one?
A team is a group of ISSN Uplink users that you specify. A team is required but it may contain only one member (yourself). You should only add members to a team if you need others from your organization to have access to the ISSN applications that you submit. All team members can submit applications and will receive communications about every application. When you register for an Uplink account, you can invite members of your organization to sign up for Uplink by providing their email address during the registration process. The invited persons will receive an email from Uplink with a hyperlink to create their own individual Uplink account. If they use the hyperlink from the email invitation, they will automatically be added to your team.
What is the benefit of a “team?”
Teams are beneficial for groups that want to share responsibility for applications. All team members will be able to review the status of applications, and view any ISSN that are assigned. Since every person on the team will receive communications about each application, it is best to keep teams small and only add individuals that need access to each application.
How do I apply for ISSN?
Once your user registration is complete, you can follow the instructions in Uplink to submit an ISSN application. You may only apply for one title at a time ((but one application should be used for all formats of a single title). ISSN applications are subject to review.
Can my ISSN application be denied?
If your publication is not eligible according to ISSN Network policy, your application can be denied. Examples of ineligibility include publications that are not continuing resources and publications that are not published in the U.S. If your publication is published in a different country, you may be referred to the appropriate ISSN center for that country.
Can I apply for multiple titles at once using a spreadsheet in Uplink?
No. If you wish to apply for more than 5 titles at once, please email [email protected] so we can determine the best approach for your situation. Otherwise, please submit individual applications for each title using the Uplink system.
Can I use Uplink to apply for an ISSN in advance of publication?
“Pre-publication” ISSN assignments are made under limited conditions: • You have not already published any issues or content under this title. • Your publication is a print or other tangible format. Special exceptions may be requested to meet specific needs. • Your first issue or release is not more than 6 months in the future unless you have a compelling need. • You must provide a mock-up or other representation of pages requested during the application process. • You understand that your request may be deferred in cases where we need to see the first published issue or release in order to make an authoritative ISSN assignment. If you do not qualify for a pre-publication ISSN, please state “ISSN pending” on your publication and apply for an ISSN after you have published the first issue.
What if I made a mistake in the application after it has already been submitted? What do I do if I need to cancel my ISSN request?
You cannot make edits to your application after it has been submitted or cancel the application on your own. If you need to change or cancel your application before an ISSN has been assigned, go to “View My applications” and select the application you’d like to change. Use the message area to let us know what changes you need (including cancelling). An ISSN staff member will review the messages and respond to you.
What does my application status mean?
The status that is set for your application may be set automatically by the system or manually by an ISSN staff member.
a. Application received: Your application has been successfully submitted to the U.S. ISSN Center. If you applied for a print ISSN, you still need to mail an issue before we begin to process your application.
b. In process: All documentation has been received for your application and ISSN staff have started to process your application.
c. Applicant action required: ISSN staff cannot proceed with processing your application. You have received an email/message within Uplink explaining the action that is required.
d. ISSN assigned: An ISSN assignment has been made for a title that has already been published. No further action is needed from the publisher.
e. No ISSN assigned: he publication is ineligible for ISSN assignment, including out-of-scope items and open access journals that don’t meet the five-article requirement set by the ISSN International Centre.
f. Provisional ISSN assigned: An ISSN assignment was made for a title that has not yet published its first issue. You will receive a reminder email from Uplink asking you to submit proof of publication after your expected date of publication has passed.
g. Waiting for published issue: ISSN staff are waiting for a print issue of your publication to arrive in Library of Congress offices.
h. Publication response received: Uplink automatically sets this status once the publisher fills out the Publication Status response form and submits it.
i. Published issue received: A hard copy, surrogate, URL, or other acceptable evidence of publication has arrived in the ISSN section.
j. ISSN record updated: The provisional ISSN record has been updated to "confirmed." No further action is required. The "confirmed" status will not show in the ISSN Portal for a few weeks.
k. ISSN cancelled: Applies to existing ISSN that are no longer valid, duplicate ISSN assignments, provisional ISSN for titles that will not be published, or provisional ISSN that were assigned for publications that are ineligible for ISSN.
Prepub/Follow-Up
1. I was assigned an ISSN in advance of publication and my first issue is now published, what do I do?
You will need to update the status of your publication and provide proof of publication. You may fill out the publication status form for each title as many times as you need to.
I have to postpone our publication date. Can I keep the ISSN or will I need to reapply?
You can keep the provisional ISSN that was assigned. You will need to update the status of your publication in Uplink. Please log in to ISSN Uplink, and use the “Update publication status” form to enter the new expected publication date. You may fill out the publication status form for each title as many times as you need to.
We decided to change the title, do we need to apply for a new ISSN?
If you have not yet published any issues, you can still use the same ISSN. You will need to update the status of your publication. Please log in to ISSN Uplink, and use the “Update publication status" to enter the new title. You may fill out the publication status form for each title as many times as you need to.
What if I received an ISSN but it turns out we won’t be publishing after all?
You will need to update the status of your publication. Please log in to ISSN Uplink, and use the “Update publication status” form to notify us of your plans to cancel. We will send you a message to confirm that you have never published any issues, and then we will cancel the ISSN. You will receive a notification of the cancellation.
What happens after we send proof of publication?
Once we receive proof of publication, it will be added to our processing queue, and will be processed by order of receipt. Processing time may vary depending on the volume of receipts. After we have reviewed the proof of publication, we will update the record(s) for your title and the provisional status will change to ISSN Record Updated. It takes 7-10 business days after we update our records for the status to show as confirmed in the ISSN Portal.
Application Form
Title Tab
1. What if I don't know the answers to some of the questions on the Uplink ISSN application?
Each question has a yellow "?" icon with help text. Click on the yellow "?" in order to read the help text for that question. If you have specific questions or need help filling out the application, send us a message at [email protected]
.2. What questions are required?
Questions on the application that have an asterisk (*) require a response. For any other questions for which you do not know the answer or do not have an answer, please leave the input field empty. Do not use “n. a.” “unknown” or similar responses.
3. What does variation of the title or variant titles mean?
Sometimes a title is displayed differently throughout a publication, or it may be commonly known as something else, or, spelled differently than the title that was entered in the first question on the application form. We will add these variations to the record for your title so that if a user searches by one of these other titles, they will find the right record.
4. What is a previous or former title of my publication?
Some serials have significant title changes in the history of its publication. We need to know if your publication ever had a different title than the one you are currently applying for in questions 1 and 2, and this may not be known to you if you have taken over the title from another publisher.
Format tab
1. Do I need separate ISSN for the print and online versions of my publication?
Yes. If you regularly publish in both print and online, or if you offer subscriptions for both print and online versions, please select both of these formats in the “Format” tab. If readers can obtain print issues of your title in any way— freely available, purchased from retail stores, by subscription, by using a print on demand service, or if they can special order a print issue from you directly, please select the “Print” format in addition to any other formats that you are publishing.
2. What does the format "Other tangible media" mean?
Other tangible media can be any other physical medium that is not print or cd-rom. Flashdrives and dongles are included here. You may leave a note with specifics in box 13 (found only on the "Review" tab).
3. I don't see the year or month that I expect to publish my first issue. What do I do?
ISSN Network policy limits how far in advance an ISSN can be assigned to no more than 6 months in advance. Please submit your application closer to your expected publication date. If you have questions please contact [email protected]
4. What does "open access" mean?
Many online resources are free, however, they are not always open access. Generally "open access" refers to peer-reviewed research literature that is distributed online, free of cost, and other access barriers such as copying or reuse restrictions are removed by an open license for copyright.
Publisher tab
1. What is a "monographic series" found under the "Type of publication" dropdown?
A monographic series has many titles, collected under one general title called a series title and each title in the series has a separate author and subject area. The ISSN can be assigned to the series title. And each unique title in the series may be eligible for a PCN or an ISBN. Please see the ISBN Agency’s website and/or LCCN Program’s website for more information. Some authors, especially of children’s books, have published titles that are called “series” however there is a limited number of publications (for example: the Harry Potter series) and ISSN are not assigned because the publication does not continue indefinitely.
2. What is an "institutional repository" found under the "Type of publication" dropdown?
An institutional repository is an archival website for professors, staff, and students at colleges, universities and other institutions where published material is made available.
3. What types of websites qualify for an ISSN?
ISSN assignment to websites must meet criteria outlined in the ISSN Manual.
4. I am self-publishing. Can I put my personal name as the publisher?
Yes. The term “organization” is inclusive of all types of eligible applicants, including self-publishers.
5. I am the editor of this publication but my job title is "publisher." Do I put my name in the "publisher" field?
No, please enter the name of the organization or company that is responsible for the content. If you are self-publishing, you can enter your name.
6. Does the name of the printer or distributor qualify as the publisher of my publication?
No, please enter the name of the organization or company that is responsible for the content. If you are self-publishing, you can enter your name.
Contact tab
1. If I belong to multiple teams, which one should I choose?
The team that you choose should contain all the people you want to receive all communications regarding the specific application. Because all team members receive all notifications, someone from your team can respond with any questions or receive notifications of ISSN assignment if you are out of office. Of course, a team with only one member (you) is fine.
Documentation tab
1. Why do you need attachments for an online publication?
Some online journals have content that is behind a pay wall or a fire wall. In order for us to make sure we have everything we need to process your application in a timely fashion, please provide screenshots of any landing pages or website screens that have title information, lists of issues, publisher information, and details about content.
2. I attached a sample of my print publication, why do I have to also mail a hardcopy issue?
Your hardcopy is required in order to review it for inclusion in the library’s collection. The sample attachment is an alternative resource we will use, if needed, as the basis of our record and ISSN assignment. Please mail only one hardcopy issue. If your title is selected for the library’s collection, you will receive further instructions from the Copyright Office.
General ISSN FAQs
What Do the Letters ISSN Stand For?
International Standard Serial Number. According to the pertinent national and international standards (ISO 3297; ANSI/NISO Z39.9) the abbreviation "ISSN" denotes the singular and plural forms, according to context.
Why Do I Need an ISSN?
The ISSN can be thought of as the social security number of the serials world. Just as an individual's social security number is used in many automated systems to distinguish that person from others with the same or similar names, the ISSN distinguishes a particular serial from others with which it might be confused. The ISSN also helps library patrons, libraries, and others who handle large numbers of serials to find and identify titles in automated systems more quickly and easily.
Does the ISSN Have Any Meaning Embedded in the Number?
Unlike the ISBN, which contains country and publisher prefixes, the ISSN contains no inherent meaning.
Why Do Some ISSN End in an "X"?
An ISSN is composed of eight digits: the arabic numerals 0 to 9, except that in the case of the last digit, which is a check digit, the upper case X can appear. The purpose of the check digit is to guard against errors caused by the incorrect transcription of the ISSN. The method of determining the check digit for the ISSN is the modulus 11 basis, using the weighting factors 8 to 2. In the case of the ISSN, the Roman numeral X is used where the check digit calculation results in a remainder of 10.
Who Assigns ISSN?
ISSN are assigned by a network of 90+ centers worldwide coordinated by the ISSN International Centre located in Paris. ISSN are assigned to serials published in the United States by the U.S. ISSN Center at the Library of Congress. Serials published outside of the United States are assigned ISSN by the national center in their country of publication, or, in the case of countries lacking a national center, by the ISSN International Centre. Information about the ISSN network and ISSN centers worldwide can be found on the ISSN International Centre's home page. 
Who Is Eligible to Obtain ISSN From the U.S. ISSN Center?
The U.S. ISSN Center generally only assigns ISSN at the direct request of the publisher or an agent (such as an attorney) acting on the publisher's behalf. Libraries and other ISSN users interested in obtaining ISSN should contact the head of the U.S. ISSN Center, Regina Reynolds, [email protected], to discuss other possible arrangements.
How Much Does It Cost to Get an ISSN?
There is no charge for the assignment of the ISSN, or for the use of an ISSN once assigned. (However, the Library of Congress incurs substantial costs to staff and maintain the U.S. ISSN Center. Additionally, the Library of Congress is assessed a considerable fee to belong to the ISSN Network.)
Do I Need a Separate ISSN for Each Issue?
No. ISSN are assigned to the entire serial and stay the same from issue to issue unless you change the title of your serial in any way except to increment the date (e.g., The World of Serials 1996 to The World of Serials 1997).
What Happens if I Change My Title?
Title changes are costly for libraries and can be costly to publishers as well. If you must change the title, please apply to the U.S. ISSN Center for a new ISSN at least a month in advance. If you are in doubt as to whether a contemplated title change would require a new ISSN, please contact the center ([email protected]). The Whats in a Name? brochure has further information about the costs of serial title changes.
How Many ISSN Do I Need?
That depends. For most serials one ISSN for each title under which it has been published is sufficient. But, if your serial is published in different language, regional, or physical editions (e.g., print, electronic), you will probably require a separate ISSN for each edition. Further information about electronic serials is available.
Where and How Do I Print the ISSN?
The preferred location for printing the ISSN on a printed serial is on the upper right-hand corner of the cover. Other good locations are the masthead area, the copyright page, or in the publishing statement where information about the publisher, frequency, and other publication facts are given. On a non-print serial, the ISSN should be printed, if possible, on an internal source, such as on a title screen or home page. Other suggested locations on non-print serials are on external sources such as microfiche headers, cassette or disc labels, or other containers. If a publication has both an ISSN and an ISBN, each should be printed. If a publication is in a series which has its own ISSN, both ISSN should be printed, accompanied by the title to which it pertains.
Do I Have to Send You Each Issue I Publish?
No. The ISSN office only needs to see one published issue either at the time of registration, or after publication, for ISSN issued prior to the publication of the first issue of a serial. However, please see Copyright Circular 7d, Mandatory Deposit of Copies or Phonorecords for the Library of Congress [PDF, 135K] for information on Copyright deposit requirements you may be subject to.
What Is the ISBN?
ISBN or International Standard Book Number is the book counterpart to the ISSN. It is a national and international standard identification number for uniquely identifying books, i.e., publications that are not intended to continue indefinitely.
Can a Publication Have Both an ISSN and an ISBN?
Yes. This situation occurs most commonly with books in a series and with annuals or biennials. The ISBN identifies the individual book in a series or a specific year for an annual or biennial. The ISSN identifies the ongoing series, or the ongoing annual or biennial serial.
What Is the Relationship Between ISSN and CIP?
CIP or Cataloging in Publication information is only available for books. So, unless the cataloging in publication data is for an individual book in a series, a publication will not normally be eligible for both cataloging in publication and ISSN.
What Is the Relationship Between ISSN and Copyright?
There is no connection between Copyright and ISSN. Having an ISSN does not confer any Copyright protection, nor does sending a serial to the Copyright office eliminate your need to send the U.S. ISSN Center a sample issue of a serial for which you were given a prepublication ISSN.
Does Registering a Title with an ISSN Mean No One Else Can Use It?
No. Getting an ISSN for a title does not confer any exclusive rights to that title. Nor can titles be copyrighted. The best way to protect a title is to register it with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office.
Does Having an ISSN Mean I Can Mail My Serial at Special Postal Rates?
No. The U.S. Postal Service uses the ISSN as an identification number for periodicals rate mailing privileges, but all publications have to meet the same requirements for a periodicals mailing permit regardless of whether they have an ISSN or not. Contact your local postmaster about obtaining a periodicals rate permit.
How Are ISSN Used in Bar Codes?
The ISSN is used in several bar codes as the title identifier portion of the code. One such code, the SISAC bar code symbol, can be found on scholarly, technical, medical and other subscription-based serials. The SISAC symbol is used by libraries and library-affiliated organizations. The symbol can also represent articles within journals and is used by document delivery services. The other major bar code that uses the ISSN is the EAN (International Article Number). The EAN is used in the U.S. by major bookstore chains for trade and other book publications. It is used extensively in the U.K. for magazines.
Although the ISSN is used as an element of the above bar codes, NSDP does not issue the actual bar codes. Further information concerning the SISAC bar code symbol is available from Publication ID Division of Product Identification & Processing Systems, Inc. (PIPS), on the Web at http://www.pips.com/
What if I have an open access online journal?
OA journals are required to have published an issue with at least 5 articles before they can receive an ISSN. Please refer to the ISSN International Centre's policy for more information.
I am the author of a book series. Can I get an ISSN?
Although books by one author are sometimes called “series,” for example the Harry Potter series or Outlander series, they are not considered serials and therefore not eligible for ISSN. Individual books that you publish may be eligible for PCN, CIP or ISBN. Please see the ISBN Agency’s website at https://www.isbn.org and/or LCCN Program’s website at https://www.loc.gov/publish/pcn for more information. The type of series publication that is assigned ISSN is called a monographic series. It has many, many titles collected under one series title and each title in the series has a separate author and subject area.
How do I get ISSN in advance of publication for my online journal?
The ISSN International Center policy specifies that prepublication ISSN are not assigned to online resources. The US ISSN center follows this policy with the exception of titles produced by large multinational publishers and otherwise historically well established organizations, with a creditable standing in the publishing world. This group is eligible to receive pre-pub ISSN (for all formats) because of our obligations to create and manage metadata for titles widely acquired by US libraries and the special requirements these publishers have for the use of the ISSN in many stages of the information chain (ie distribution and advertising).
I got a message that says I should reapply once my title is published, why is this?
The ISSN International Center policy specifies that prepublication ISSN are not assigned to online resources.
What do I need to do to change the status of my ISSN in the ISSN Portal from "provisional" to "confirmed"?
Your ISSN has been assigned prior to publication, and as such it is in provisional status in the ISSN Portal until we review a published issue and confirm the title and publishing information. So once your title is published, please log in to ISSN Uplink, complete the publication status form, and send us your published issue. When we receive your publication, it will be added to our processing queue, and will be processed by order of receipt. Processing time may vary depending on the volume of receipts. After we have reviewed the published issue you send us, we will update the record(s) for your title and the provisional status will change to confirmed. It takes 7-10 business days after we update our records for the status to show as confirmed in the ISSN Portal.
What if I don’t see the answer to my question here?
If you cannot find an answer in this FAQ, we prefer that you please send an email to [email protected]. You may also call (202) 707-4776 and leave a message. Please be aware there may be a delay in our response to phone messages due to staff working remotely because of the pandemic.
Last Updated: October 8, 2024
