ISSNnumero

ISSNnumero refers to the International Standard Serial Number, an eight-digit unique identifier for periodical publications. These publications include journals, magazines, newspapers, and other serials issued on a regular basis. The ISSN is crucial for the systematic identification, cataloging, and interlibrary loan of serial publications.

The ISSN system was established in 1971 and is governed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Each ISSN is assigned by a national center, with the International Centre for the Registration of Serials (ICRS) acting as the central coordinating body. The number consists of two groups of four digits, separated by a hyphen, followed by a check digit. This check digit is calculated using a specific algorithm to ensure the validity of the ISSN.

An ISSN is assigned to a serial title, not to a specific issue or volume. If a serial changes its title, it requires a new ISSN. Similarly, if a serial changes from a print format to an electronic format, or vice versa, a separate ISSN will be assigned to each format, resulting in what is known as a linking ISSN (ISSN-L). The ISSN database is a vital resource for libraries, publishers, and researchers worldwide, facilitating the management and discovery of serial literature.