ISSN Philippines
Member since 1975
The Philippines and the ISSN: A Journey Through National Bibliographic Control
The journey of the International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) in the Philippines began in the late 1970s. During this time, the nation learned the importance of standardized bibliographic control for its growing academic, scientific, and cultural serial publications. The ISSN system provided a unique identifier for serial publications like journals, magazines, newspapers, and annual reports that aimed to simplify identification, cataloging, and information exchange worldwide. The Philippines publishing industry was ready to become a part of this international networking.
The first step toward establishing an ISSN National Center in the Philippines was taken in late 1975. At this key moment, the National Science Development Board (NSDB) was named as the National Center for ISSN. The NSDB was a crucial government agency responsible for promoting scientific and technological progress in the country, making it a suitable choice. Its mission naturally matched the need to organize and share scientific and research output, much of which appeared as serial publications. This early establishment within the NSDB highlighted the initial focus on scientific and technical literature during the early phase of ISSN adoption in the Philippines. It is the NSDB's role to introduce the ISSN system to the Filipino publishers, teaching them about its benefits, and assigning unique ISSNs to their serial publications. This period set the stage for the systematic identification of Philippine serials within the international framework.
A major turning point happened in 1981 when the ISSN National Center responsibility was transferred to the National Library of the Philippines (NLP). This move was not just an administrative change, it was also a thoughtful decision aligned with the international practices. The turn-over brought ISSN operations under its integrated bibliographic services, a common approach used globally. Some countries also have their ISSN National Centers in their national libraries, often alongside with the national agency for ISBN (International Standard Book Number).
Over the decades, ISSN Philippines continues to adapt to the changing publishing landscape, including the growth of electronic and online serial publications. The NLP has continually worked to make sure that Philippine serial publications, both printed and online, receive their unique international identifiers. This effort enhances their visibility and accessibility worldwide. The launch of an online application system, International Standard Numbering Systems-Philippine Online Application System (INS-POAS) in 2021, further simplified the process, making it easier for publishers across the country to register their serial publications.
The establishment of ISSN Philippines, marked by its initial creation under the NSDB and its more permanent placement within the National Library of the Philippines, shows the country’s commitment in organizing knowledge and connecting globally. It ensures that the vibrant and diverse serial publications of the Philippines are recognized domestically and accurately identified and preserved in the vast international landscape of knowledge. The ISSN serves as a quiet but powerful identifier, linking Filipino researches, and cultural narratives to the rest of the world.
Website:
https://www.dost.gov.ph/transparency/about-dost/history-and-logo.html
https://web.nlp.gov.ph/nlp-publications-2/
https://web.nlp.gov.ph/isbn-issn-and-ismn-in-the-philippines/
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