Doi (identifier)

A DOI (Digital Object Identifier) is a unique alphanumeric string assigned to a digital object, typically a scholarly publication or dataset, to provide a persistent link to its location on the Internet. It serves as a permanent identifier for the object, ensuring its accessibility even if the URL or web address changes over time.

DOIs are widely used in academic and scientific publishing to provide a reliable way to cite and locate digital content. They are managed and assigned by a not‐for‐profit organization called the International DOI Foundation (IDF). The IDF works in collaboration with Registration Agencies, which are responsible for assigning DOIs to specific types of content, such as journals, books, or datasets.

The format of a DOI typically consists of a prefix followed by a suffix. For example, a DOI might look like this: 10.1234/abcd1234. The prefix, in this case, is 10 and is followed by a slash. The suffix, 1234/abcd1234, is unique to the specific digital object.

When a DOI is assigned to a digital object, it is associated with metadata that provides information about the object, such as its title, authors, publication date, and publisher. These metadata are stored in a DOI resolver, which is a web service that translates the DOI into a URL that can be used to access the content.

To use a DOI, you can simply enter it into a DOI resolver or prepend https://doi.org/ to the DOI and paste it into a web browser’s address bar. This will redirect you to the appropriate location of the digital object.

DOIs offer several advantages over traditional URLs or web addresses. They provide a persistent link to digital content, making it easier to cite and reference scholarly works. DOIs also help ensure the accuracy of citations, since they remain stable even if the URL changes. Furthermore, DOIs often include additional metadata, such as version information or supplementary materials, enhancing the discoverability and usability of the digital object.

External links

• https://doi.org/