A digital object identifier (DOI) is a unique alphanumeric string used to identify an electronic document or object and provide a persistent link to its location on the internet.
A Digital Object Identifier (DOI) is a standardized identifier for digital content, allowing for reliable citation and access over time. The system is widely used in academic publishing and other sectors where digital objects require stable and consistent identification. The DOI system is maintained by the International DOI Foundation (IDF), and its use has become a cornerstone of academic citation and digital object management.
Historical Background
Origin and Development
The concept of a DOI was developed in response to the growing need for a stable system to identify digital content. As the internet and digital publishing expanded, traditional means of identifying and citing documents, such as URLs, became increasingly unreliable due to link rot and other factors. The DOI system was proposed in the late 1990s and formally introduced in 2000 by the IDF. The IDF operates the DOI system as an open, non-profit initiative to ensure its broad adoption and sustainability.
Early Adoption
Initially, the DOI system was adopted by academic publishers, who saw the benefit of a persistent identifier that could help manage and track scholarly works. Over time, its use expanded to other fields, including data sets, government documents, and even media such as videos and music. The adoption of DOIs has been facilitated by organizations such as CrossRef, DataCite, and others, which provide DOI registration services.
Technical Overview
Structure and Format
A DOI is composed of two main parts: the prefix and the suffix, separated by a forward slash (/). The prefix identifies the registrant, typically an organization or publisher, while the suffix is a unique identifier for the specific object. For example, in the DOI 10.1000/xyz123, 10.1000 is the prefix, and xyz123 is the suffix.
Prefix: Assigned by a registration agency, it usually begins with "10" followed by a numeric code identifying the registrant.
Suffix: This part is chosen by the registrant and can be any alphanumeric string that is unique within the prefix.
The DOI format ensures that each digital object can be uniquely identified without ambiguity.
Resolution
The DOI system relies on a process called resolution, which involves translating the DOI into a URL that points to the digital object's location. This is done through the Handle System, a resolution infrastructure that maps DOIs to URLs. The DOI can be resolved by inputting it into a DOI resolver, such as https://doi.org/, which will redirect the user to the current location of the object.
Metadata
Each DOI is associated with a set of metadata, which can include information such as the title, author, publisher, publication date, and more. This metadata is stored in a central registry and is essential for the identification and retrieval of the digital object. Metadata can be updated to reflect changes in the object’s status or location, ensuring the DOI remains a reliable reference.
Applications and Use Cases
Academic Publishing
One of the most prominent uses of DOIs is in academic publishing. Journals, conference papers, and other scholarly works are assigned DOIs to ensure they can be reliably cited. The DOI system has become a standard for referencing electronic documents, allowing researchers to locate the source material easily. The use of DOIs in academic citations also facilitates the tracking of citations and the measurement of the impact of a particular work.
Data Management
DOIs are increasingly used for datasets, providing a stable way to reference and access research data. Organizations like DataCite offer DOI registration for data, ensuring that datasets can be cited similarly to traditional publications. This practice supports data sharing and reuse, critical components of open science.
Media and Entertainment
Beyond academic and data uses, DOIs have found applications in media and entertainment. Music tracks, videos, and even artworks can be assigned DOIs, providing a way to identify and manage these digital assets. This is particularly useful in digital rights management, where tracking the use and distribution of media is crucial.
Advantages of DOIs
Persistent Identification
One of the key benefits of DOIs is their ability to provide persistent identification. Unlike URLs, which can become obsolete, DOIs remain the same even if the object's location changes. This persistence is achieved by updating the metadata associated with the DOI rather than changing the identifier itself.
Interoperability
The DOI system is designed to be interoperable with other identifier systems and metadata standards. This makes it possible to integrate DOIs into various digital object management and citation systems, enhancing the usability and reach of the identified content.
Discoverability
By providing a standardized way to identify and cite digital objects, DOIs enhance the discoverability of content. Metadata associated with DOIs can be indexed by search engines and databases, making it easier for users to find relevant material.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
The DOI system also supports legal and ethical considerations, such as intellectual property rights and data integrity. By providing a clear and unambiguous reference, DOIs help ensure that credit is given where due and that digital objects are used appropriately.
Challenges and Limitations
Cost and Accessibility
While the DOI system offers numerous advantages, it is not without challenges. One of the main barriers to adoption is the cost associated with DOI registration and maintenance. This can be a limiting factor for smaller organizations or individuals.
Technological Dependence
The DOI system relies on the Handle System and associated infrastructure, which requires ongoing maintenance and support. While this infrastructure is robust, it is not immune to technological changes and disruptions.
Misuse and Misidentification
Another challenge is the potential for misuse or misidentification. While the DOI system is designed to be reliable, errors in metadata or improper use of DOIs can lead to confusion or misinformation. Ensuring accurate and up-to-date metadata is essential for maintaining the integrity of the DOI system.
Future Directions
Expansion to New Domains
The use of DOIs is expected to expand into new domains, including emerging fields like artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and blockchain. As digital content continues to grow, the need for reliable identification systems like DOIs will only increase.
Technological Innovations
Technological advancements, such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, may also impact the DOI system. These technologies could be used to automate metadata generation, improve the accuracy of citations, and enhance the discoverability of digital objects.
Policy and Governance
As the DOI system evolves, there will be ongoing discussions around policy and governance. Issues such as open access, data privacy, and intellectual property rights will continue to shape the development and use of DOIs.
The Digital Object Identifier system has become a cornerstone of digital content management and citation. Its ability to provide persistent, unique identification has made it invaluable in academic publishing, data management, media, and more. Despite challenges and limitations, the DOI system continues to evolve and adapt to the changing digital landscape. As new technologies and domains emerge, the DOI system will likely play an increasingly important role in ensuring the reliable identification and accessibility of digital content.
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