RFC 3044 (rfc3044) - Page 2 of 15

Using The ISSN (International Serial Standard Number) as URN (Uniform Resource Names) within an ISSN-URN Namespace

RFC 3044        ISSN as URN within an ISSN-URN Namespace    January 2001


Table of Contents

   1. Introduction ..................................................  2
   2. The ISSN system ...............................................  3
     2.1 The ISSN code ..............................................  3
     2.2  Construction of ISSN ......................................  3
     2.3 The ISSN Bibliographic record ..............................  4
     2.4 The ISSN Network ...........................................  4
     2.5 The ISSN Register ..........................................  5
   3. The ISSN and URN ..............................................  5
     3.1 compatibility ..............................................  5
     3.2 identification and access ..................................  7
   4  Resolution ....................................................  7
     4.1 Overview of the ISSN URN Resolution system .................  8
     4.2 Global Resolution ..........................................  9
   5. Registration of an ISSN URN Namespace ......................... 10
   6. Security Considersations ...................................... 13
   7. References .................................................... 13
   8. Contact information and useful links .......................... 14
   9. Full Copyright Statement ...................................... 15

1. Introduction

   The ISSN International Centre has undertaken in 1999-2000 an URN
   implementation taking advantage of the functional compatibility
   between the ISSN and the URN.

   The present implementation at the ISSN-IC Centre based on IETF RFCs
   on URN includes a centralised resolution system which allows direct
   access to electronic resources by using the ISSN identifiers as
   Uniform Resource Names within an ISSN URN Namespace.

   It demonstrates that the URN can integrate existing identifiers from
   well established identification schemes used by the bibliographic
   community.

   Nevertheless, to deploy this demonstrator into a wider operational
   system a responsible body or infrastructure is needed to assign
   namespaces and manage an RDS/NAPTR global resolution framework.  It
   is intended here that serials refer to all forms of serials published
   in printed form as well as in form of electronic resources.  Since
   this document contains a Registration form for an ISSN URN Namespace,
   this form also includes some paragraphs already present in other
   parts of this document.

   All figures and descriptions are dated 13 July 2000.





Rozenfeld                    Informational