Linda,
The rules for when to assign a new ISSN were aligned with the rules in
AACR2 for when to create a new description and the same rules in
ISBD(CR).  The rules in AACR2 are quite a bit more complex than what you
have stated in your message.  There are a considerable number of
exceptions to the "first five words" provision.  Also, the change in AACR2
and the change in the ISSN Manual did not take place at the same time so
there will be some instances where the number of records and the number of
ISSN are not the same.  Finally, since the ISSN rules do not call for main
entry under body or conference name, there are instances where the main
entry changes, thus requiring a new record, but the title remains the
same.  In those cases, no new ISSN is assigned.

If you have a situation that you would like me to look at and explain to
you, please let me know.

Best regards,
Regina

On Thu, 16 Feb 2006, Linda Dausch wrote:

> Is the criterion for the ISSN assigning agency the same for catalogers in terms of what constitutes a title change -- that if there is a change in the first 5 words of the title, the serial gets a new record, and hence a new ISSN number?
>
> Linda S. Dausch
> Electronic Resources & Serials Librarian
> Technical Services
> Chicago Public Library
> 400 South State Street, 9th floor
> Chicago, IL  60605
> 312.747.4660 tel.
> 312.747.4667 fax
> ldausch@chipublib.org
>
>
>

Regina 	R. Reynolds                     email: rrey@loc.gov
Head, National Serials Data Program     voice: (202) 707-6379
Library of Congress                     fax    (202) 707-6333
101 Independence Avenue, S.E.           ISSN Web page: lcweb.loc.gov/issn/
Washington, D.C. 20540-4160