Everything old is new again: ISSN in the digital environment

Abstract

If the International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) did not exist, someone would have to invent it. It’s that simple. In the current environment where databases contain many millions of records, unique identifiers are crucial. Most databases, indexes, and registries of journals require the use of the ISSN. ISSN is now a key element of OpenURL link resolution services that connect users to article content. New types of resources that require ISSN for identification continue to be created. New needs for ISSN, such as its role in identifying titles for print and digital archiving, continue to emerge. In a future world of linked data for libraries, identifiers - including the ISSN - will play an essential role. Dodds and Davis, authors of Linked Data Patterns, state that the single most important part of the Linked Data approach is the adoption of webscale identifiers (URIs) to identify things of interest. This case study will provide background on the ISSN; describe ISSN traditional uses in the library, publishing, and information communities; discuss the enlarging scope of resources that are assigned ISSN; and elaborate on ISSN uses in the current digital environment including ROAD, a new ISSN database of open access scholarly resources. The case study will conclude with an exploration of ISSN potential in the future linked data environment.