Answered By: Sandra Desjardins
Last Updated: Oct 06, 2023     Views: 181

A digital object identifier (DOI) is a unique alphanumeric string assigned to identify content and provide a persistent link to its location on the internet. DOIs are an implementation of the Handle System; they also fit within the URI system (Uniform Resource Identifier). They are widely used to identify academic, professional, and government information, such as journal articles, research reports, data sets, and official publications.

The purpose of a DOI is to provide a unique and persistent identifier for a digital object. Unfortunately, there are a few cases where an article might have multiple DOIs. For example, if an article is published in two different journals, it may have a different DOI for each version. Additionally, if an article is updated or corrected, it may be assigned a new DOI. If multiple DOIs are assigned to the same article, it can be difficult to track down the correct version of the article.

To ensure that you are using the appropriate DOI, you can:

  • Check the journal website. Most journals will list the DOI for each article on the journal website. If the journal assigns DOIs, you can be sure that the DOI on the journal website is the most current.
  • Use a DOI lookup service. There are a number of DOI lookup services available online, such as Crossref.org and doi.org. These services allow you to search for DOIs by article title, author, or other criteria. If you find a DOI for your article on a DOI lookup service, you can be sure that it is the most current.
  • Contact the author. If you are unable to find the DOI for your article on the journal website or through a DOI lookup service, you can contact the author of the article. The author should be able to provide you with the most current DOI for the article.

Related Topics

    Contact Us