DOI^® System

DOI^® Handbook (excerpts)

1.6.1 The DOI system concept

DOI is an acronym for `digital object identifier`, meaning a `digital identifier of an object`. A DOI name is an identifier (not a location) of an entity on digital networks. It provides a system for persistent and actionable identification and interoperable exchange of managed information on digital networks. A DOI name can be assigned to any entity — physical, digital or abstract — primarily for sharing with an interested user community or managing as intellectual property. The DOI system is designed for interoperability; that is to use, or work with, existing identifier and metadata schemes. DOI names may also be expressed as URLs (URIs).

The DOI system was initiated by the International DOI Foundation (a not-for-profit, member-based, organisation initiated by several publishing trade associations) in 1998, and later standardised as ISO 26324. Users can join a service offered by a DOI Registration Agency by registering material with one of them, or developing a community to build one. Existing DOI names can be resolved free of charge. The cost of registering new DOI names depends on the services using a DOI which are provided by a Registration Agency. Each Registration Agency is free to offer its own business model in compliance with overall DOI policies. Individual Registration Agencies adopt appropriate rules for their community and application.

Digital object identifier (DOI) becomes an ISO standard

A new International Standard that provides a system for assigning a unique international identification code to objects for use on digital networks is expected to bring benefits for publishers, information managers, multi-media distributors, archive and cultural heritage communities, and the internet technology industry.

Published by ISO (International Organization for Standardization), ISO 26324:2012, Information and documentation — Digital object identifier system, is an efficient means of identifying an entity over the Internet and used primarily for sharing with an interested user community or managing as intellectual property.

A DOI name is an identifier of an entity – physical, digital or abstract – on digital networks. It provides information about that object, including where the object, or information about it, can be found on the Internet.

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