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A DOI, or Digital Object Identifier, is a string of numbers, letters, and symbols used to permanently identify a resource and link to it on the Internet. After reading this guide, you will be able to:
From doi.org (opens in new window):
The Digital Object Identifier (DOI®) System is for identifying content objects in the digital environment. DOI® names are assigned to any entity for use on digital networks. They are used to provide current information, including where they (or information about them) can be found on the Internet. Information about a digital object may change over time, including where to find it, but its DOI name will not change. The DOI System provides a framework for persistent identification, managing intellectual content, managing metadata, linking customers with content suppliers, facilitating electronic commerce, and enabling automated management of media. DOI names can be used for any form of management of any data, whether commercial or non-commercial.
A DOI is a unique code that identifies content and provides an unchanging link to its location on the Internet. NOTE: Not all journals use DOIs. If you can't find a DOI, you can use the permalink URL in your citation instead.
All DOI numbers begin with a 10 and contain a prefix and a suffix separated by a slash. The prefix is a unique number of four or more digits assigned to organizations; the suffix is assigned by the publisher and was designed to be flexible with publisher identification standards.
DOI example:
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