The URN (Uniform Resource Name) is a unique identifier for internet resources. It can be used as a stable reference to URLs (Uniform Resource Locator or «link» on the internet). The URN can replace a URL in library catalogues or in other listing systems and can also be used as a stable reference within documents.
The Swiss National Library assigns URNs on the basis of the NBN (National Bibliography Number). The domain NBN is the result of a common initiative of national libraries in the context of the CDNL (Conference of Directors of National Libraries) and the CENL (Conference of European National Librarians).
