Uniform Resource Name in National Libraries: a URN:NBN landscape report

In the thirty years since the Uniform Resource Name (URN) concept was introduced, thirteen European countries have issued URNs for cultural heritage collections using the NBN (National Bibliography Number) namespace. This report, based on interviews with URN providers from November 2023 to February 2024, reveals varied experiences. Some providers found URN successful, while others faced challenges. Over 113 million URN have been issued, appreciated for their ease of use and low costs. Challenges include technical development and lack of institutional prioritization. The report suggests fostering collaboration among URN providers for future success.