Q. What is a DOI?

DOI stands for Digital Object Identifier.

Example DOIs are:

• 10.1021/acs.orglett.6b03635
• hdl.handle.net/1880/22716

A DOI is a permanent and unique code that assigned to an object, usually digital. Many journal articles and electronic books are assigned DOIs.

Why use a DOI?

Since a DOI is permanent and unique, the location of an object, e.g. its URL, may change, yet the object can still be identified by its DOI. This makes the object easy to find. 

DOIs are also used to gather altmetrics, an alternative to traditional publishing metrics that are calculated using social media activity.

We recommend you include a DOI, if supplied to you from a publisher, when depositing items into PRISM: UCalgary's Digital Repository.

How do I get a DOI?

If you do not have a publisher DOI, Libraries and Cultural Resources can mint DOIs on your behalf:

1. Items deposited to PRISM: UCalgary's Digital Repository will automatically mint a DOI via DataCite, unless there is a previously assigned publisher's DOI.
2. Items deposited to PRISM Data: UCalgary's Data Repository will automatically mint a DOI via DataCite.
3. Journals hosted through our journal hosting service are set up with Crossref DOI minting.
4. Any other web products may be candidates for DOI minting.
   1. To submit a request to mint a DOI, please fill out this webform.

Contact openservices@ucalgary.libanswers.com for more details.