EPHA6

EISSN

The term EISSN stands for "Electronic International Standard Serial Number." It is a unique eight-digit number used to identify electronic serial publications, such as online journals, magazines, and other periodicals. The EISSN is the digital counterpart to the ISSN (International Standard Serial Number), which is used for print publications.

History and Development

The concept of the ISSN was developed in the early 1970s to address the need for a standardized method of identifying serial publications. As the digital age progressed, the need for a similar system for electronic publications became apparent. Thus, the EISSN was introduced to extend the ISSN system to the digital realm.

Structure of EISSN

An EISSN consists of eight digits, divided into two groups of four, separated by a hyphen. For example, an EISSN might be represented as 1234-5678. The last digit is a check digit, which is calculated using a specific algorithm to ensure the number's validity.

Purpose and Importance

The primary purpose of the EISSN is to provide a unique identifier for electronic serials, facilitating their management, cataloging, and retrieval in digital libraries and databases. This is crucial for:

• Library Cataloging: Libraries use EISSNs to catalog electronic journals and manage their collections efficiently.
• Database Management: Online databases and indexing services use EISSNs to track and organize electronic publications.
• Publishing and Distribution: Publishers use EISSNs to distinguish between different formats of the same publication, such as print and electronic versions.

How EISSNs are Assigned

EISSNs are assigned by national ISSN centers, which are coordinated by the ISSN International Centre based in Paris, France. Publishers can apply for an EISSN through their national ISSN center, providing details about the electronic publication.

Differences Between ISSN and EISSN

While both ISSN and EISSN serve the same fundamental purpose of identifying serial publications, the key difference lies in the format they identify:

• ISSN: Used for print serials.
• EISSN: Used for electronic serials.

In some cases, a publication may have both an ISSN and an EISSN if it is available in both print and electronic formats.

Challenges and Considerations

The digital nature of electronic publications presents unique challenges, such as:

• Version Control: Ensuring that different versions of a publication are correctly identified and cataloged.
• Access and Licensing: Managing access rights and licensing agreements for electronic content.

Also see

• ISSN
• Digital Object Identifier
• Serial Publication
• Library Cataloging