What is ISSN? A Guide to Understanding Serial Identifiers

What is ISSN? The International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) is an eight-digit code that uniquely identifies serial publications like journals, magazines, and newspapers, in both print and electronic formats. Understanding what ISSN is helps streamline cataloging, indexing, and retrieving serial publications in academic and library systems. It ensures the distinction between different serials, especially for cataloguing in libraries and databases. ISSNs are vital in scholarly communication, allowing seamless identification of periodicals across platforms. The ISSN system, managed by an international network, operates independently of content type, focusing on the medium of the publication.

Origin of ISSN

What is ISSN, and why was it developed? With the growing volume of scientific literature, the need for a global system to identify serial publications led to the creation of the ISSN standard in 1971. With an increased rate of publications of scientific literature, it was required to define the system to identify the publications globally. This need led the international thinkers to define a coding system to identify print publications in their times. In the year 1971, an ISO standard ISO 3297 was drafted under the supervision of the ISSN International Centre, headquartered in Paris, France. This standard defines the ISSN number and the network of 94 countries around the world are responsible for implementing the ISSN. The whole network is coordinated by the International Centre (For more information and list of countries read here).

The International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) plays a crucial role in managing and cataloging serial publications. From academic journals to popular magazines and even newspapers, ISSN provides a standardized method for identifying periodicals across various platforms. This identification system ensures that every serial publication, regardless of its medium (print or digital), can be uniquely identified and cataloged, avoiding any confusion or redundancy.

The ISSN Portal, published by the ISSN International Centre, allows you to search through the worldwide database of ISSN bibliographic records, identifying and describing more than 2.3 million newspapers, magazines, journals, monographic series and continuing resources of all kinds, both print and online, in 234 countries.

Definition and Purpose

One of the major advantages of ISSN is its role in scholarly communication. To understand what ISSN is, it’s essential to recognize its role in academic publishing, where it ensures that journals and serials can be uniquely identified and efficiently cataloged. By addressing the question of ‘What is ISSN?’, researchers and publishers can better appreciate its critical function in scholarly communication and resource management. With thousands of journals being published globally, the ISSN ensures that each title has a unique identifier, regardless of language, location, or publisher. This is particularly crucial in a globalized academic ecosystem where researchers often consult international publications for literature review, data, and citation purposes.

The ISSN also plays a crucial role in library systems. Most libraries, especially university libraries and public repositories, manage vast databases of periodicals. Without a standardized identification system, managing such databases would be a near-impossible task. By assigning an ISSN to each serial, libraries can easily catalog and cross-reference publications, ensuring they are readily available to users.

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When asking ‘What is ISSN?’, it’s important to note its distinction from the ISBN (International Standard Book Number), as the ISSN is specifically for serials while ISBN is for books. While both serve as identifiers, ISBN is used for books, and ISSN is specific to serials. ISSN is also compatible with digital tools and systems, especially when linked with the Digital Object Identifier (DOI), which is commonly used for online articles and e-journals. Together, these systems streamline the discovery and retrieval of content in both digital and physical formats.

Components of ISSN

What is ISSN? At its core, the ISSN is an 8-digit identifier for serial publications, divided into two groups of four digits (e.g., ISSN 1234-5678). The first seven digits are randomly assigned, while the eighth digit is a check digit, used to verify the accuracy of the entire ISSN. The check digit is calculated through a mathematical formula, ensuring the integrity of the ISSN when entered or transmitted. Each year, thousands of new ISSNs are assigned, with approximately 58,669 new serial titles added globally to the ISSN database annually.

Importance of ISSN

Identification

How ISSN helps in uniquely identifying serial publications.
Differences between ISSN and other identifiers (e.g., ISBN).

Cataloguing and Library Use

With the rise of digital publications, the ISSN has adapted to serve electronic media just as effectively as print. In fact, digital ISSNs (sometimes referred to as eISSNs) are assigned to electronic versions of journals, ensuring that the digital publication is as easily identifiable as its print counterpart. This is critical in the era of open-access publishing, where the same journal may exist in multiple formats across different platforms.

Additionally, publishers benefit significantly from ISSN registration. Understanding what ISSN is highlights its value for publishers, as it enhances discoverability in indexing services like Scopus and Web of Science, boosting a journal’s visibility. Many indexing services and databases require an ISSN to include a journal in their database, making it a prerequisite for scholarly recognition.

How to apply for ISSN ?

Registration Process

Wondering what ISSN is and how to apply for one? Publishers can start the registration process on the official ISSN portal, ensuring their serials are uniquely identified globally. The page will lead you to fill the required forms.

Screenshot of the ISSN Request Portal interface, showing steps for requesting an ISSN and links to related services such as finding a national center and consulting the manual. — ISSN Request Portal – Steps to Request an ISSN for Publications.

After selecting through various filters and filling the information aligning to the guidelines, the publisher needs to wait for the approval from the ISSN authorities.

The publisher will be able to access the information and fill in the missing details once they are provided with the publisher’s personal access to the ISSN number dashboard. The print and online publications go through a similar screening process by national and international ISSN centres as per need. The usual processing time for the approval of ISSN ranges between 5 to 20 days as per the guideline with submission of minimal ISSN request fees.

Which publications can get ISSN?

Any print or digital publication like magazines, periodicals, websites, databases, monographs etc are eligible for obtaining an ISSN number. Information related to eligibility also can be obtained from ISSN website or from any nearby national ISSN centre.

Comparison with other identifiers

Edit ISBN / ISSN codes are the same concept. They assign an ISBN to each of the book names. An ISBN may be assigned to particular serials as part of ISSN codes. The ISSN, unlike the ISBN code, can only be identified with an anonymous identification number and does not include details of the publisher or their place of residence. Usually the serial’s ISSN gets updated every time the name changes.

The International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) is an eight-digit code used to uniquely identify serial publications such as journals, magazines, and newspapers, both in print and electronic formats. It ensures the distinction between different serials, especially for cataloguing in libraries and databases. ISSNs are vital in scholarly communication, allowing seamless identification of periodicals across platforms. The ISSN system, managed by an international network, operates independently of content type, focusing on the medium of the publication.

ISSN vs. ISBN

ISSN (International Standard Serial Number) and ISBN (International Standard Book Number) are both global identifiers for publications, but they serve different purposes. The ISSN is used to identify serial publications like journals, magazines, and newspapers, which are issued periodically. Each format of a serial (print or electronic) gets a separate ISSN. In contrast, ISBN is assigned to individual books or monographs, which are typically one-time publications. The ISSN focuses on serials’ ongoing nature, while the ISBN is specific to standalone publications or editions of books.

Conclusion

The ISSN system is an indispensable tool in the management and dissemination of serial publications. It ensures clarity, accuracy, and efficiency in identifying periodicals across a multitude of platforms, aiding not just academic scholars but also librarians, publishers, and digital media managers. As the publishing world continues to evolve, particularly with the rise of electronic media, the ISSN will remain vital for organizing and retrieving information across the globe. Whether you’re a researcher, publisher, or library administrator, understanding the importance of the ISSN will help you navigate the complex world of serial publications.

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