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Trusted by

30+

Global Publishers Joined

500+

Journal Names Registered

6,000+

Daily Active Link Users

What is ISJN?

ISJN is a unique identifier system for academic journals, providing standardized name resolution for scholarly publications. It simplifies access to journal websites, making scholarly communication more efficient.

How It Works

Accessing journal homepages used to be a cumbersome process. With ISJN, you can quickly and effortlessly navigate to a journal's official webpage using a standardized and easy-to-remember identifier.

Register Your Journal

Lifetime Free

  • Example: ISJN.org/NatComms
  • Quota: 1 free name per journal
  • Length: 6-20 letters
  • Expiration: Permanent

Premium Plan

  • Example: ISJN.org/NC
  • Quota: 1 premium name per journal
  • Length: 1-5 letters
  • Expiration: Annual renewal

Pricing

  • 1-Letter: $1,000 SAVE 50% $2,000
  • 2-Letter: $500 SAVE 50% $1,000
  • 3-Letter: $100 SAVE 50% $200
  • 4-Letter: $50 SAVE 50% $100
  • 5-Letter: $10 SAVE 50% $20
  • per premium name, billed annually

Notes

  • Eligible journals receive a permanent ISJN at no cost, independent of Premium Plan subscription status.
  • The premium plan includes a Lifetime Free quota. The free name remains valid and operational even if the premium name expires due to non-renewal.
  • A journal is limited to obtain one free name and one optional premium name. Multiple premium names cannot be assigned to a single journal.
  • ISJN pricing is subject to adjustment in accordance with policy updates. Some names may be conditionally reserved and not available for registration.

Get Your ISJN in 3-4 Simple Steps

1

Submit

Journal details are submitted through application form

2

Verify

The committee team validates journal information

3

Assign

Unique ISJN identifier is assigned and confirmed

4

Premium

Request an alternate premium name as needed

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is responsible for the operation and maintenance of ISJN?

ISJN is managed by an independent committee, sponsored and endorsed by the Open Access Foundation (OAF), which is committed to promoting equity in education and research worldwide.

What is the relationship between ISJN and ISSN? Are they competing identifiers?

ISJN and ISSN are two distinct journal identifiers introduced by different international organizations, and they serve complementary rather than competitive purposes. While ISSN is a numeric identifier (e.g. 1234-5678), ISJN uses a standardized alphabet system (e.g. JOA) for journal name resolution. Journals that already have an ISSN can decide whether to apply for an ISJN based on their needs.

Is obtaining an ISJN free? Are there any costs involved?

Every journal is eligible for one free ISJN name, which can be obtained by submitting an application form. Additionally, journals can opt for premium names that offer shorter, more brand-focused identifiers for an annual fee. Premium names require yearly renewal at the same rate to maintain usage rights.

Are journal names permanent? Can they be removed?

All journal names are conditionally permanent. Free names, once approved and assigned, remain valid for life and won't be removed (except in cases of intellectual property rights violations). Premium names require annual renewal - for instance, if created on 2024/01/01, renewal is needed 30 days before 2025/01/01. A 60-day grace period follows the expiration date for renewal. Unrenewed premium names will be deleted and become available for other users, though this doesn't affect the associated free name's usage.

Can premium names be used alongside free names?

Yes, if you purchase a premium name, you can use both names simultaneously (2 names for 1 journal) during the premium name's validity period. However, if a premium name expires without renewal, it will be deleted within 60 days. The journal's free name remains functional even after the premium name's deletion.

What if my desired journal name is already registered?

ISJN registration operates on a first-come, first-served basis. If you believe another ISJN registration infringes on your intellectual property rights, please contact us to file an appeal.

Does assigning an ISJN grant ownership of the journal name to the journal?

ISJN is a unique identifier assigned to existing academic journals. The journal is granted the right to use its assigned ISJN to represent its uniqueness. ISJN is solely linked to the journal it identifies and is not owned by any individual or entity, nor does ISJN.org claim ownership.

Can an assigned ISJN be transferred from one journal to another?

No, ISJN is specific to the journal it is assigned to. Once a journal is established, it qualifies for an ISJN, which remains permanently associated with that journal and cannot be reassigned, except the premium journal name with re-assigned condition.

How can I apply for an ISJN for my journal?

Journals can apply for an ISJN by visiting the ISJN registration page. If your journal already has an ISSN or DOI, you can request an ISJN at no cost, or choose from premium options for enhanced services.

Can ISJN be used for non-academic journals or publications?

ISJN is primarily designed for academic journals. It provides a standardized system for identifying and resolving the names of scholarly publications. However, if a non-academic journal meets certain criteria (such as having an ISSN, DOI, or other qualifying factors), it may be granted an ISJN after review by ISJN.org.