A Digital Object Identifier (DOI) is a unique code assigned to digital objects like academic articles, datasets, and other types of media. It serves as a permanent link to the object’s location on the internet. DOIs are standardized by the International DOI Foundation, which ensures that the DOI link remains valid even if the web address of the document changes. This stability is important for reliable citation and access. Each DOI is associated with metadata, including information such as the title, author, publication date, and publisher. DOIs improve the discoverability and accessibility of digital content, and are widely used in academic publishing to ensure that documents can be easily located and cited. A DOI typically appears as a string of numbers and letters, for example, “10.1000/xyz123”. By resolving a DOI through a DOI resolver, users are redirected to the current URL of the digital object.
When did DOI services begin?
In 2000, DOI services were launched. The International DOI Foundation (IDF) was founded in 1998 with the purpose of creating and overseeing the DOI system. The technology was developed to offer a way to identify digital items throughout time and to make sure they can be accessed. Since then, DOIs have become a common technique for managing digital content due to their extensive usage in academic publishing and other sectors.
Which characters/digits are used in DOI?
The DOI (Digital Object Identifier) can contain the following characters and digits:
1. Digits: 0-9
2. Uppercase letters: A-Z
3. Lowercase letters: a-z
4. Special characters: . (period), / (slash)
The DOI typically consists of two parts separated by a slash:
– Prefix: A numeric string starting with “10” followed by a period and a unique identifier for the registrant, such as “10.1000”.
– Suffix: An alphanumeric string assigned by the registrant to identify a specific object, such as “xyz123”.
For instance, in the DOI “10.1000/xyz123”:
– “10.1000” is the prefix.
– “xyz123” is the suffix.
Why do publishers/organizations use DOI?
Publishers and organizations use DOIs for several important reasons:
1. Persistent Identification: DOIs provide a permanent, stable link to digital objects, ensuring that even if the web address changes, the DOI will still lead to the correct location.
2. Reliable Citation: DOIs make it easier to cite digital content accurately, ensuring that references remain valid over time.
3. Metadata Association: Each DOI is associated with metadata about the object, such as the title, author, publication date, and publisher, which enhances discoverability and context.
4. Improved discoverability: DOIs are indexed by search engines and digital libraries, making it easier for researchers and readers to find and access the content.
5. Interoperability: DOIs are used globally and are compatible with various information systems, enabling seamless integration and data exchange.
6. Enhanced Tracking and Metrics: Publishers can use DOIs to track usage, citations, and impact metrics of their content, providing valuable insights into its reach and influence.
7. Credibility and Trust: Using DOIs signals that the content is reputable and managed by a recognized entity, enhancing the credibility and trustworthiness of the information.
8. Digital Rights Management: DOIs can be used to manage digital rights and permissions, ensuring proper usage and distribution of the content.
9. Standardization: The DOI system provides a standardized method for identifying and accessing digital content, which is particularly important in academic and research communities.
10. Global Adoption: DOIs are widely adopted by publishers, research institutions, and organizations around the world, making them a universal tool for digital content management.
How to find DOI
Finding a DOI can be easy if you know where to look. Here are some common methods to find the DOI of a digital object, such as an academic paper, article, or dataset:
On the document itself:
Many publishers print the DOI on the first page of an article or in the header/footer. For books or book chapters, the DOI is often found on the copyright page or the first few pages.
Publisher’s Website:
Look for the article or document on the publisher’s website. The DOI is usually listed with the citation information or in the document’s metadata.
Digital Libraries and Databases:
Academic databases like PubMed, JSTOR, IEEE Xplore, and others often list the DOI in the article’s detailed view or citation.
CrossRef Search:
Use the CrossRef search tool to find DOIs by entering the title, author, or other details of the document.
Google Scholar:
Search for the document on Google Scholar. The DOI is often included in the citation information.
DOI Resolver Tools:
Some websites and tools allow you to search for DOIs. One such tool is the DOI.org resolver, where you can search using the document’s details.
Library Catalogs:
University and institutional libraries often include DOI information in their catalogs and digital repositories.
Author’s Manuscript:
If the author has uploaded a preprint or postprint of the article on repositories like arXiv, ResearchGate, or their personal website, the DOI might be included.
Reference Lists:
If you have a list of references that cite the document, the DOI is often included in the citation information.
Contact the Author or Publisher:
If you cannot find the DOI using the above methods, you can contact the author or publisher directly for help.
Using these methods, you should be able to locate the DOI for most digital objects.
