ISSN FAQs

Note

Due to the high volume of ISSN requests being received, staff of the Legislative Library have created this FAQ. Links to further information on ISSN are included in these answers. Should you have any further questions, please contact us at ISN@ola.org.

Introduction

An ISSN (International Standard Serial Number) is a unique international identifier for serial publications. The ISSN program is international in scope and is directed in Canada by Library and Archives Canada (LAC) – ISSN Canada. The Legislative Library coordinates the ISSN assignment for Ontario government documents on behalf of LAC – ISSN Canada. ISSNs are used to quickly and efficiently identify, order, distribute and retrieve serial publications.

ISSN in general

Publications that require an ISSN

Using the ISSN in your publication

What if our serial publication plans change?