The internationally recognized system for identification of serial publications requires an International Standard Serial Number (ISSN). The National Serials Data Program (NSDP) within the Library of Congress is the U.S. Center of the ISSN Network.

A single ISSN uniquely identifies a publication issued in parts, regardless of language or country in which published, without the burden of a complex bibliographic description. This is useful for trade distribution because it facilitates efficient communications between publishers and suppliers. ISSNs also have a variety of corporate and governmental applications, such as the U.S. Postal Service's use of ISSNs in tracking special periodical postage rates. However, the advantages for Erowid lie principally in the potential for more accurate citation by scholars, researchers, abstracters, and librarians, and easing the acquisition process for libraries that require an ISSN for identifying titles, ordering and checking in, and claiming serials.

If you are in a position to order publications for libraries, research centers, or other institutions, the ISSN number for Erowid Extracts (our 24-page, twice yearly, print publication) is 1548–8071. Let us know at sage@erowid.org if you set a library acquisition in motion!