Does NSDP assign ISSN to all USPS applications?
It has never been NSDP’s intention to assign ISSN to all of the titles mailed at periodicals rates, nor is that something USPS needs. The USPS file of periodicals titles includes many titles for which ISSN would be of marginal use: e.g., local church bulletins, newsletters of local fraternal and civic organizations, etc. For these, NSDP reports “NO ISSN ASSIGNED” to the USPS. However, it will assign ISSN to these titles if the publisher contacts our office directly. The USPS has its own identification number, a six-digit number that it assigns to all titles. In cases where NSDP has not assigned an ISSN, the publisher is required to print the USPS number. Both the USPS number and the ISSN, if assigned, are entered in the USPS database.
