NISO updates Transfer Code of Practice to support journal continuity
The National Information Standards Organization (NISO) has published a revised version of its Transfer Code of Practice (Version 5.0), formally released as NISO RP-24-2026.
The Transfer Code of Practice is a NISO Recommended Practice designed to ensure continued access to journals when titles move between publishers. By setting out clear guidelines, the code helps publishers maintain access for librarians and readers during transfers, while minimising disruption to manuscript submission and production workflows.
The latest revision responds to evolving community needs, particularly around the transfer of open access titles. It also introduces clearer language to improve usability and understanding across stakeholder groups.
Alongside maintaining and updating the code, the Transfer Standing Committee also oversees the Transfer Alerting Service. Hosted by the ISSN Centre, the service supports communication about journal title transfers. Since its introduction as a NISO Recommended Practice in 2015, more than 90 publishers have endorsed the code.
“This has been a community effort with representatives from major publishers, societies, university presses, libraries, consortia, databases, serials resources, and consultants,” said Sophia Anderton, Chief Executive, BJU International and co-chair of the Transfer Standing Committee. “We hope that the new version of the Code will support the whole of the research community so that there is a seamless service when journals transfer between publishers,” added Émilie LaVallée-Funston, Head of Research Support (OA), Library Services, University of Bristol and co-chair of the Transfer Standing Committee.
“The Transfer Code of Practice has become an indispensable tool in maintaining user access to content when it moves from one publisher to another,” said Todd Carpenter, NISO Executive Director. “We thank the members of the Transfer Standing Committee for their efforts to ensure it continues to meet the evolving needs of readers, authors, librarians, and publishers.”
The Transfer Code of Practice Version 5.0 is freely available on the NISO website.