Publication Identifiers

Publication identifiers provide information about an article or publication using a set of codes. A publication identifier is specifically useful for article, journal, or book. There are different types of publication identifiers. This article discuss some of the identifiers.

What is an ISSN?

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) is a unique number used to identify a print or electronic periodical (journal) title, including newspapers, journals, and magazines.

An ISSN International Standard Serial Number is an eight-digit serial are assigned by a network of ISSN National Centres, usually located at national libraries and coordinated by the ISSN International Centre based in Paris. The ISSN is especially helpful in distinguishing between serials with the same title.

What is a DOI?

A digital object identifier (DOI) is a unique alphanumeric string assigned by a registration agency (the International DOI Foundation) to identify content and provide a persistent link to its location on the Internet. The publisher assigns a DOI when publishes the article electronically.

What is an ISBN and how does it differ from an ISSN?

An ISBN is an International Standard Book Number. ISBNs were 10 digits in length up to the end of December 2006, but since 1 January 2007 they  consist of 13 digits. Difference between ISBN and ISSN. The ISSN (International Standard Serial Number) and ISBN (International Standard Book Number) are numeric identification codes. The ISSN consisting of eight digits, is for identifying serial publications, whilst the ISBN with 13 digits, is for identifying books.

Generally, the publisher of a journal or proceedings takes care of obtaining the identifiers. The benefit is that cited articles are much easier to find. With ISBN and ISSN you can find the print version in a library. For example, and the DOIs can guide the reader to a page where  the digital version of a paper is. DOI system and the papers are still available in 50 years, even when all institutions and websites have vanished. Basically, it ensures that other people can find the references you cite.