What is an ISSN and Why is it Important for Serial Publications?

ISSN stands for International Standard Serial Number. It is a unique identifier assigned to serial publications, such as magazines, journals, and newspapers, to identify them and distinguish them from other publications. The ISSN is used by libraries, researchers, and others to locate and identify serial publications, and to track their holdings and subscriptions.

The ISSN is a 8-digit number that is assigned to each publication by the International Centre for Serial Publications (ICSP), which is responsible for maintaining the international register of serial publications. The ISSN is usually printed on the cover or inside front page of the publication, and it is also included in online databases and catalogs.

Having an ISSN is important for serial publications because it helps them to be easily discoverable and accessible to readers and researchers. It also helps libraries and other organizations to manage their subscriptions and holdings more effectively.