The ISSN System and Its Role in Regulating and Monitoring Online Journals in India for Quality, Authenticity, and Global Accessibility

Introduction to ISSN and Its Significance

The International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) is an eight-digit code used to uniquely identify serial publications such as journals, magazines, and periodicals. Introduced in 1971 and governed by the ISSN International Centre in Paris, this system provides a standardized method for identifying serials across countries and disciplines. In India, the ISSN system is coordinated by the National Science Library (NSL) under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), based in New Delhi. The ISSN plays a vital role in cataloguing, indexing, and facilitating access to scholarly literature both in print and online formats.

For publishers, obtaining an ISSN enhances the visibility, discoverability, and credibility of their journals. It also helps libraries, databases, and academic institutions to manage subscriptions and collections effectively. As academic publishing moves increasingly online, the importance of ISSNs in distinguishing legitimate journals from predatory or non-standard publications has grown significantly.

ISSN and the Regulation of Online Journals in India

In India, the regulation of online journals is becoming increasingly critical due to the exponential rise in digital publishing and the associated risks of academic misconduct, plagiarism, and fake journals. The ISSN system contributes to regulation by ensuring that only genuine and verifiable publications receive an ISSN. Before an ISSN is issued, the application is carefully reviewed by the NSL, which examines various factors such as editorial board details, peer-review policy, frequency of publication, and accessibility of content.

While the ISSN itself is not a certification of quality or peer-review, it acts as a first-level filter against non-serious or fraudulent publications. It is often the first requirement for indexing in reputed databases like UGC-CARE, Scopus, and Web of Science. Indian academic regulatory bodies like the University Grants Commission (UGC) often refer to ISSN as a prerequisite for recognizing a journal, especially in cases related to academic promotions, PhD thesis submissions, and institutional evaluations.

Monitoring and Global Integration Through ISSN

The ISSN system allows for seamless global monitoring and integration of journals into international databases, repositories, and libraries. For Indian publishers, registration with the ISSN International Centre ensures that their journals are included in global bibliographic records, enhancing international visibility and citation potential. The ISSN portal (https://portal.issn.org/) enables researchers and institutions worldwide to verify journal authenticity and publication status.

Moreover, the assignment of separate ISSNs for print and online versions of journals helps in avoiding duplication and maintaining proper bibliographic control. It also aids in systematic cataloguing by libraries, which is essential for inter-library loans, metadata exchange, and preservation of digital content.

In conclusion, while the ISSN system does not directly certify academic quality, it plays a crucial supporting role in the regulation, monitoring, and international integration of online journals in India. Publishers, researchers, and institutions must understand and utilize this system effectively to ensure academic integrity and global reach in digital publishing.