Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs) are typically used in specific situations where you need a persistent and unique identifier for digital resources. Below are some scenarios in which you may need a DOI. (Please note that this list is not comprehensive.)
- Scholarly Publications. DOIs are widely used in academic and scholarly publishing, including for:
- Research articles published in journals
- Conference papers and proceedings
- Theses and dissertations
- Books and book chapters
- Research Data. DOIs are crucial for research data management. A DOI may be needed for:
- Datasets and data collections
- Supplementary data files associated with research publications
- Data shared on repositories for public access
- Software and Code. DOIs may help ensure proper attribution and tracking for software or code.
- Grey Literature. In some fields, such as government reports, white papers, or technical reports, assigning DOIs to these documents may allow better tracking and citation.
- Educational Materials. For digital educational resources, including textbooks, course materials, and online tutorials, DOIs may help provide stable and citable references.
- Websites and Online Content. In some cases, DOIs might be assigned to specific web pages, blog posts, or other online content cited in scholarly work.
- Artifacts and Cultural Heritage Items. DOIs may be used for identifying and referencing digital replicas of artifacts, artworks, and cultural heritage items, particularly when they are part of digital collections or museums.