International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

An International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) is an eight-digit unique identifier assigned to serial publications like magazines, journals, and newspapers. It helps libraries, publishers, and databases accurately distinguish between similar titles and manage ongoing publications efficiently. Unlike ISBNs, which identify individual books, ISSNs specifically track serials, ensuring consistent and efficient cataloging across different platforms and countries. This system facilitates the organization, retrieval, and referencing of serial publications in a standardized way worldwide.