aikakausin

Aikakausin is a Finnish term used in publishing and bibliographic contexts to refer to a single edition or issue of a periodical, such as a magazine or scholarly journal. It designates one release within the ongoing publication history of the title and is typically identified by date, volume, and issue number.

In library catalogs and bibliographies, an aikakausin is described with metadata such as the periodical title, publisher, publication date, and page range. The concept is used to distinguish between different releases of the same title over time, helping users locate specific content. The term is commonly paired with related bibliographic fields such as vuosikerta or numero, indicating the volume and issue respectively.

Frequency and production practices of a periodical determine how many aikakausin are issued within a given time frame. Periodicals may be released monthly, quarterly, biannually, or at other regular intervals, and each release constitutes a separate aikakausin. The contents of an aikakausin typically include articles, features, reviews, or other materials relevant to the periodical’s scope.

Etymology and usage: the word derives from Finnish elements related to time and period, reflecting its role as a time-bound edition. In Finland and in Nordic library and publishing contexts, aikakausin is a standard term in cataloging and indexing, helping to organize and retrieve periodical materials efficiently. See also aikakauslehti, periodical, and library cataloging terminology.