ISSN stands for International Standard Serial Number. It is a unique identifier used to distinguish and identify serial publications, such as magazines, journals, newspapers, and other periodicals, from one another. The ISSN is an eight-digit code that follows a specific pattern and is used as a standardized method for cataloguing and organizing these publications in libraries, archives, and databases worldwide.
The purpose of the ISSN is to provide a reliable and unambiguous identification method for serial publications, ensuring accurate and efficient retrieval of information. It facilitates the management, search, and retrieval of serial publications both in print and electronic formats. This identification system helps publishers, librarians, researchers, and other users to easily and consistently reference a specific publication and track its bibliographic information over time.
The ISSN is assigned by national centers that are members of the International ISSN Network, coordinated by the International ISSN Centre, based in Paris, France. Each country has its own ISSN center responsible for assigning and maintaining ISSN records for the publications published within its jurisdiction.
The ISSN is often displayed on the cover or title page of a serial publication and can also be found in catalog records, databases, and online platforms that contain information about the publication. It serves as a crucial tool for the efficient organization, preservation, and dissemination of serial publications across various fields of knowledge.
