What is a Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
A Digital Object Identifier (DOI) is a unique and permanent identifier assigned to scholarly content such as journal articles, research papers, datasets, and books. Unlike regular URLs, DOIs do not change—even if the content moves to a different location online. This ensures stable, reliable access to the material over time.
DOIs play a critical role in academic publishing by:
- Enabling consistent citation and long-term discoverability
- Helping integrate content into indexing services and repositories
- Supporting accurate metrics and impact tracking
A DOI is essential for maintaining the credibility and accessibility of academic work in the digital age.