Digital object identifier (DOI)
A Digital Object Identifier (DOI) is a unique alphanumeric code assigned to a digital object, which can encompass various types of data such as images, videos, sound, and text publications. Primarily utilized in academic and research contexts, DOIs serve as reliable and permanent links to digital content, ensuring that citations remain valid even if the underlying URL changes over time. Each DOI is managed by regulatory organizations and registration agencies, which maintain databases that catalog the codes and associated metadata, providing valuable information about the digital object. Users cannot create their own DOIs; they must obtain them through these organizations, ensuring a consistent and professional system of management. This system not only facilitates the organization and retrieval of digital materials but also supports copyright claims and increases the visibility of the work in citation-linking services. While DOIs are predominantly used for digital media, they can also be assigned to physical media, enhancing their applicability. Overall, DOIs play a crucial role in the digital landscape by promoting the accessibility and integrity of online resources.
Digital object identifier (DOI)
A digital object identifier (DOI) is a unique string of numbers and letters specifically associated with a digital object. A digital object refers to any bit sequence with which a computer may interact. This includes images, video, sound, and text publications. DOIs are commonly used in conjunction with research and publications so that they may be used within citations. They provide a consistent, verifiable link to the original digital object, and may provide useful metadata associated with that object.
DOIs are maintained by regulatory and registry agencies. Individual computer users may not assign their own DOIs, and must purchase a DOI from one of these groups. This ensures that the records of DOIs are kept within databases are accurate and up to date. Anyone may search these records or follow a DOI to its original source, making this form of citation useful to anyone looking to check the history of a digital object or verify the accuracy of a claim. In some instances, DOIs have even been issued to physical media. This makes it easier for online works to cite the physical media.
Background
A digital object refers to any piece of data that is made of bit sequences. Most files with which a computer or computer user interact are considered digital objects. Any digital material that can be manifested by a bitstream is considered a digital object. This includes most file types, including sound files, text files, image files, and programs. Most digital objects are named in order to allow a computer to categorize them and make them easier for users to locate. However, naming s not a necessary qualifier for data to be considered an object.
Additionally, it is not necessary for data to be self-contained to be considered a digital object. Many file formats, such as image files or sound files, may require external software in order for users to interact with them in their intended fashion. In these instances, both the external software and the files with which they are used are considered digital objects. In fact, larger digital objects are commonly composed of many smaller digital objects.
Digital objects may also come accompanied by metadata. Metadata is a specialized type of data that supports the manner in which a digital object may be used. It may also contain detailed information about a digital object that is unnecessary for its intended use. For example, a digital photograph may come accompanied by metadata that includes the date the photograph was taken, the camera settings with which it was taken, and the location in which it was taken. While not necessary for viewing the photograph, this metadata may be useful in some circumstances. Additionally, it loses its value when separated from the original digital object.
Contrary to the common belief that digital media is permanent, digital objects sometimes require care to continue their function. Damage to the physical media that carries a digital object, such as a hard drive or flash memory, can cause irreparable harm to a digital object. Additionally, access to digital objects can be lost through hacking or through software and format obsolescence. If a digital format is no longer commonly accepted, the available means of interacting with an object will be significantly reduced.
Overview
A digital object identifier (DOI) is an alphanumerical code that is applied to a single digital object. They are commonly used in academic work, but may be applied to any form of digital object that is published online. DOIs are primarily used for organizational purposes. They categorize a digital object as unique and provide a permanent link to where that object may be found online. Whereas URL addresses, websites, and even online publications may change over time, a DOI should always point to the original source. For this reason, they are commonly used in academic citations.
On its own, a DOI is just a string of numbers and letters. Some DOIs are presented in the format of URL addresses with the intent of making them seem familiar to internet users. DOIs are typically specific codes, with different parts of the code referring to regulatory organizations, publishers, or other important information about the digital object.
In order to function properly, a DOI must be issued by a regulatory organization. These organizations maintain databases of codes and the objects they reference. They may provide a permanent hosting place for the original work, or may offer a link to the original place the digital object was published. Regulatory organizations also collect metadata and other important information about the digital object, then catalog that data alongside the object itself.
The presence of regulatory organizations ensures that DOIs remain consistent and are properly maintained. The creation and assignment of DOIs is handled by numerous registration agencies. Without registration agencies, the DOI databases would have to be maintained by the public.
In order to ensure that these services are run in a professional manner, a fee is charged when registering a DOI. Different registration agencies have their own pricing models, and individuals seeking to tie a DOI to their work may compare the prices and value offered by each agency. Publishers and academic journals are sometimes given different rates than individual customers. All registration agencies are held to specific standards,
Once assigned, a DOI is categorized within a database. This database allows anyone to look up the original source, as well as some metadata surrounding the source, free of charge. Though many DOIs reference digital media, some have been assigned to physical media as well.
In addition to their uses when organizing digital sources, registering a DOI for a digital object may provide other benefits. It can be used as a method for enforcing copyright by providing a formal record of an object’s authorship, ownership, and original publication. It may also increase the potential audience for the digital object by including it in citation-linking services.
Bibliography
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