What is ISSN
ISSN is the international number of a serial publication. It is used for the accurate identification of a journal or another continuing resource.
What ISSN means
ISSN stands for International Standard Serial Number. It is a special 8-digit code assigned to a journal or another continuing publication.
Example record
ISSN 1234-5678
This number is not for appearance or advertising. Its main function is to accurately distinguish one publication from another, especially when titles are similar or have changed over time.
Why ISSN is needed
- to correctly identify a journal;
- to connect it with databases and catalogues;
- to avoid confusion between similar titles;
- to support library and publishing records.
For a website about journals, ISSN is especially useful as a technical reference point: it makes it easier to verify a source in Scopus, Crossref, catalogues, and other systems.
What ISSN does not show
- it does not confirm that the journal is indexed in Scopus;
- it does not guarantee journal quality;
- it does not make a publication automatically scholarly or trustworthy;
- it does not show the publisher’s country or reputation.
In other words, ISSN is an identifier, not a mark of quality.
Print ISSN and eISSN
A single journal may have two numbers: print ISSN for the print version and eISSN for the electronic version. This is normal practice. If a journal appears both in print and online, each version may have its own separate identifier.
What is important to remember
ISSN is needed for the precise identification of a journal. It is a useful and important number, but by itself it says nothing about journal quality or indexing.