Using The ISSN (International Serial Standard Number) as URN (Uniform Resource Names) within an ISSN-URN Namespace
RFC 3044

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Network Working Group                                       S. Rozenfeld
Request for Comments: 3044                     ISSN International Centre
Category: Informational                                     January 2001

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

Status of this Memo

   This memo provides information for the Internet community.  It does
   not specify an Internet standard of any kind.  Distribution of this
   memo is unlimited.

Copyright Notice

   Copyright (C) The Internet Society (2001).  All Rights Reserved.

Abstract

   This document presents how the ISSN - International Standard Serial
   Number - which is a persistent number for unique identification of
   serials widely recognised and used in the bibliographic world, can be
   supported within the Uniform Resource Name (URN) framework as a
   specific URN namespace identifier.

   An ISSN URN resolution system using the ISSN identifier as Uniform
   resource Name within an ISN URN Namespace has been developed by the
   ISSN International Centre (ISSN-IC) and is operating as a
   demonstrator to evaluate all requirements to deploy it in an
   operational environment.

   This proceeds from concepts and proposals developed in several IETF
   RFCs emphasising the way to implement and to use "recognised"
   existing numbering system within the URN framework (RFC 2248, RFC
   2141, RFC 2611).

Rozenfeld                    Informational                      [Page 1]
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                      [Page 2]
RFC 3044        ISSN as URN within an ISSN-URN Namespace    January 2001

2. The ISSN system

   The ISSN system results from a joint UNESCO and ICSU-AB working group
   on bibliographic descriptions set up in 1967 in order to establish a
   world registry of serial titles currently issued, stored or archived.

   Today, the ISSN system which is defined by an International standard
   (ISO 3297), relies on two main data elements:

   The International Standard Serial Number which is a unique identifier
   for a specific serial publication.

   The key-title, which is a unique name assigned to a serial, and is
   inseparably linked with its ISSN.

   And on a well established framework: the ISSN International network.

2.1 The ISSN code

   The ISSN - International Standard Serials Number is defined in the