Historical Context
The concept of the Digital Object Identifier (DOI) was developed in the late 1990s to address the need for a more reliable and permanent method of identifying digital objects, particularly academic journal articles. The DOI system was initiated by the International DOI Foundation (IDF), established in 1998, to provide a standardized system for object identification in the digital environment.
Types/Categories
- Journal Articles: The most common use of DOIs is for academic journal articles.
- Books and Book Chapters: DOIs are also used for books and individual book chapters.
- Datasets: Research datasets can be assigned DOIs to facilitate citation.
- Reports and Grey Literature: Other scholarly materials such as reports, working papers, and policy briefs.
Key Events
- 1998: Establishment of the International DOI Foundation.
- 2000: First DOI assigned to a journal article.
- 2012: CrossRef, a major DOI Registration Agency, becomes the primary DOI provider for scholarly content.
Detailed Explanation
A DOI is a unique alphanumeric string assigned to a digital object to provide a persistent link to its location on the internet. The DOI system ensures that even if the web address (URL) of the content changes, the DOI link will still direct the user to the correct resource.
Example of a DOI:
10.1000/xyz123
Structure of a DOI
- Prefix: Assigned to a specific registrant, such as a publisher. For example,
10.1000. - Suffix: A unique string provided by the registrant that identifies the specific object, such as
xyz123.
Importance and Applicability
Importance:
- Permanent Link: Ensures long-term access to digital content.
- Citation and Referencing: Facilitates accurate and consistent citation of digital content in academic works.
- Interoperability: Compatible with multiple metadata standards and systems.
Applicability:
- Academia: Researchers and students use DOIs to access and reference journal articles and other digital content.
- Publishing: Publishers use DOIs to manage and track digital assets.
Considerations
- Accuracy: Ensure the DOI is correctly formatted and applied to the appropriate digital object.
- Updating Metadata: Keep the associated metadata current to reflect any changes in the digital object.
Related Terms with Definitions
- CrossRef: A DOI Registration Agency that provides DOIs for scholarly content.
- Metadata: Data providing information about other data, such as the author, title, and publication date of a journal article.
- Persistent Identifier: A long-lasting reference to a digital resource.
Comparisons
- DOI vs. URL: Unlike URLs, DOIs provide a permanent link to the content, regardless of changes in the web address.
- DOI vs. ISBN: ISBNs are used for books, while DOIs can be used for a broader range of digital objects, including journal articles and datasets.
Interesting Facts
- As of 2023, more than 200 million DOIs have been assigned globally.
- DOIs are used in over 200 countries and by thousands of organizations.
Inspirational Stories
The creation and adoption of DOIs have revolutionized academic publishing, ensuring that scholarly works are easily and reliably accessible across the globe, contributing significantly to the advancement of science and knowledge.
Famous Quotes
“The DOI system is an important tool for ensuring the persistence and discoverability of digital content.” – International DOI Foundation
Proverbs and Clichés
- “A stitch in time saves nine.” (Illustrating the importance of adopting reliable systems like DOIs early on to avoid issues later.)
Expressions, Jargon, and Slang
- Handle: Another term for DOI in academic publishing.
- Persistent Link: A synonym for DOI, emphasizing its lasting nature.
FAQs
How can I find the DOI of an article?
Can a single article have multiple DOIs?
How do I resolve a DOI?
https://doi.org/. For example, https://doi.org/10.1000/xyz123.References
- International DOI Foundation. (1998). IDF Website
- CrossRef. (2023). CrossRef DOI Information
- Digital Object Identifier System. (2023). DOI Handbook
Summary
The Digital Object Identifier (DOI) is an essential tool in the digital age, providing a reliable and permanent method for identifying and accessing digital content. By understanding and using DOIs effectively, researchers, publishers, and readers can ensure the persistence, discoverability, and proper citation of scholarly works.
graph LR
A[Digital Object] -->|Has| B(DOI)
B -->|Linked To| C[Digital Content]
C -->|Cited As| D[References]
D -->|Maintained By| E[DOI Registration Agency]
By leveraging the power of DOIs, we contribute to the integrity and advancement of academic and digital publishing.
