What is the digital object identifier?

The digital object identifier (DOI®) is a method of unique identification of documents and other types of content in digital form. Within the system, the content is assigned an unchanged identifier called DOI®. This name can be assigned to different types of content, such as electronic documents, graphics and software, and can be used in conjunction with other identifiers. As a result, Doi® names can also be "resolved" to provide additional information. International Doi® Foundation (IDF) maintains the system and gives other organizations the right to assign names.

At a time when IDF was created in 1998, it was clear that existing identifiers could not adequately bridge the gap between electronic and print resources. For example, documents with similar names could be confused if they are listed only on behalf, and a uniform search engine of the item (URL) has become unnecessary if the item has been moved or deleted. Unique numbering schemes such as the International Book Number (ISBN) could beUsed but did not provide an easy way to find content online. The digital object identifier has been conceived as a way to solve some of these problems and also add new features powered by digital technology.

In the heart of the digital object identifier is a string of characters or string of letters and numbers called Doi®. Every content used by the system is assigned a unique name Doi®. These names are designed to be permanent; While the name or location on the web may change, its Doi Name® will remain the same. This is particularly important in academic fields; For this reason, many style authors, such as the American Psychological Association (APA), now recommend using DOI® names in bibliographies and citations.

A number of different contents - from software to graphics in Article - can use the digital object identifier system. However, IDF does not define the naughtyYtna size or range of the object to assign the name Doi®. For example, an academic magazine may have a name assigned to each number, each article in the question or even something as specific as the data table within the article. The IDF also allows high flexibility in the DOI® name itself, so the existing identifier can be used. For example, publishers of scientific journals can use the identifier called the Publisher Identifier (PII) to create a DOI® name, allowing compatibility between the two systems.

Unlike identifiers found in other cataloging systems, however, the DOI® system can provide additional information via the Internet. In the process known as the resolution, the name Doi® is sent to an online service that responds with content metadata. These metadata may include a name, author, date published and even a place on the site where content can be found. Metadata can be changed if the content is updated but itselfDOI® should remain the same.

Doi® names are not issued directly by IDF, but by external registration agencies that assign names to different customers. The agencies apply IDF operating fees that oversee and maintain the system identifier of the digital object. The IDF was also successful in the fact that the Doi® system approved as an official standard by different organizations by setting standards around the world.