ISSN Iran
Member since 2003
The ISSN National Center of Iran has a remarkable legacy of innovation, collaboration, and growth. Since its establishment in 2003, it has played a pivotal role in preserving Iran's serial’s heritage and integrating the country into the global bibliographic community. This journey has been shaped by visionary leaders, a dedicated team, and a commitment to excellence.
The Early Foundations (2003–2005)
The center’s creation was driven by Pouri Soltani, the mother of Iranian librarianship, whose vision and advocacy emphasized the importance of establishing a national ISSN center. A small yet determined team was formed under her guidance. While Fatemeh Zare attended training in France, but she had no active role in the center’s foundational efforts.
In contrast, Kambiz Mirbaha emerged as one of the true pioneers of the center. Beginning his work with the UNIMARC format, he played a pivotal role in laying the foundations of bibliographic operations, creating workflows, and ensuring alignment with international standards. His tireless efforts, vision, and ability to tackle complex foundational challenges were instrumental in shaping the center’s identity. His work has left an enduring legacy, and the impact of his contributions is still evident in the center’s operations today.
Expanding Horizons (2005–2011)
The move to the new National Library of Iran building marked a significant step forward. Dr. Reza Khanipur assumed leadership, supported by Kambiz Mirbaha, whose expertise and persistence ensured the center’s steady progress. Mahnaz Kheirkhah joined the team for a short period of less than a year and was succeeded by Maryam Mohammadi-Nejad.
Maryam’s expertise as a professional cataloging specialist became an essential part of the center’s operations. Her dedication and precision in bibliographic work made her a cornerstone of the center’s success, a role she has continued to uphold to this day.
Strengthening International Connections (2011–2013)
Under the leadership of Dr. Mitra Samiei, the center entered a period of consolidation. The contributions of Elham Chizari, Kambiz Mirbaha, and Hamideh Memari, who joined during this time, were instrumental. Hamideh's entry marked the beginning of the center’s enhanced international collaboration, while Kambiz continued to lay the groundwork for the center’s future achievements.
An Era of Global Engagement (2013–2023)
From 2013, under the leadership of Tahereh Yaghoubpour, the center's focus on international collaboration flourished. Hamideh Memari became a key figure, driving global engagement and strengthening ties with the ISSN International Centre:
Active International Participation: Hamideh represented Iran at the ISSN Annual Meeting in Brazil, where she introduced the idea of hosting an annual meeting in Iran.
ISSN Governing Board Membership: She served as a member of the ISSN Governing Board from 2020 to 2022.
Collaborative Contributions: Hamideh contributed to the development of the ISSN Manual and organized training workshops in Iran to enhance local expertise.
IFLA Engagement: As a member of the IFLA Committee on Serials and Continuing Resources, she furthered the center’s international visibility.
Networking and Representation: Hamideh’s participation in IFLA conferences facilitated key discussions with the ISSN International Centre, strengthening bilateral collaborations.
A Period of Creativity and Focus on Linked Data (2023–Present)
The appointment of Dr. Siamak Mahboub as the center’s head in 2023 has brought a renewed focus on innovation and modernization, particularly in the field of Linked Data. His leadership has emphasized aligning the center with cutting-edge international bibliographic practices:
Linked Data Initiatives: Under Dr. Mahboub’s guidance, the center has begun integrating Linked Data frameworks to enhance bibliographic interoperability.
Transition to MARC 21: The center successfully transitioned from UNIMARC to MARC 21, aligning itself with global standards for bibliographic records.
Adoption of ISSN+: This innovative system has improved operational efficiency, reflecting a forward-thinking approach.
Reflections and Future Directions
The Iran ISSN National Center stands as a testament to the power of vision, collaboration, and hard work. From the pioneering contributions of Pouri Soltani and Kambiz Mirbaha, whose foundational efforts remain an integral part of the center’s identity, to the tireless dedication of Hamideh Memari in advancing international collaboration, and Maryam Mohammadi-Nejad, a highly skilled cataloging expert with over 15 years of experience, the center has continually evolved to meet new challenges.
With its rich history, dedicated team, and strategic focus on innovation, the ISSN National Center of Iran is well-prepared to continue setting new benchmarks in bibliographic excellence and global engagement.
