Open Access Publishing: Identifier Service

The Library offers a DOI service which provides for the registration and use of persistent interoperable identifiers called DOIs. The use of DOIs ensures that your publications and other research outputs are accurately attributed and easily tracked for bibliometrics. On receipt of a request for a DOI the Library creates or ‘mints’ a DOI using the DataCite service. DOIs can  be created individually on an ad-hoc basis for any digital resource available online or integrated into other campus services provided centrally or by researchers.

What is DOI service?

A DOI service provides for the registration and use of persistent interoperable identifiers called DOIs.

What is a DOI?

A Digital Object Identifier (DOI) is a unique alphanumeric string assigned by a registration agency to identify content and provide a persistent link to its location on the Internet. It is used to give a digital object a unique designation and is comparable to an ISBN.

Why use a DOI?

DOIs identify content permanently. They are coupled with metadata and can be modified over time to keep track of the locations and characteristics of the objects they identify. They facilitate accurate attribution and bibliometrics tracking. They are assigned by authorised agencies or institutions and their use indicates that a dataset is well managed and accessible for long-term use.

How does the Library provide a DOI service?

The Library is part of a National Consortium for DOI services which is administered by UCD Library and subscribes to DataCite, a leading global non-profit organisation that provides persistent identifiers (DOIs) for research data and other research outputs. This enables it to request new persistent identifiers for service users. DataCite makes it easy to create and manage unique, long-term identifiers. DOIs created or ‘minted’ in this way are registered with the International DOI Foundation (IDF). The directory of the International DOI Foundation (IDF) points associated web addresses to the landing page.In this way the author or content creator establishes a permanent link to the object created. When the object is cited by others, even if is moved to a new location, the citation reference will always work, as long as the metadata is updated.

The DataCite service enables:

• Creation of identifiers for anything: texts, data
• Storage of citation metadata for identifiers in a variety of formats
• Updating of current URL locations so citation links are never broken

Who regulates DOIs?

The International DOI Foundation governs DOIs and regulates them to an ISO standard. Registration Agencies like DataCite or CrossRef make up the foundation and provide the structure supporting DOIs. Allocation Agents, who are members of Registration Agencies, manage assigning DOIs to objects.

Further information about the International DOI Foundation is available athttp://www.doi.org/index.html

The DOI® Handbook is available at http://www.doi.org/hb.html

Information about the ISO 26324:2012 Information and Documentation – Digital Object Identifier System is available at http://www.iso.org/iso/catalogue_detail?csnumber=43506

How do DOIs work?

A data centre links a DOI with the web address (URL) of a dataset. If a data centre moves or changes the address of the dataset, it must also update the DOI with the new address so that it still points users to the same data in its new location.

What information is required to create a DOI?

• Location (URL) for the landing page that the DOI will resolve to when a user clicks on the DOI
• Creator
• Title
• Publisher
• Publication Year
• Resource Type

Where can I learn more about DOIs?

Further information about the DatCite is available at https://datacite.org/

See also Horton, Laurence (2015) ‘Digital Object Identifiers: Stability for citations and referencing, but not proxies for quality’ LSE The Impact Blog, 23 Apr.

The Library offers an ISBN service for staff, researchers and students  at NUI Galway and maintains a range of ISBN numbers that can be assigned to the publications of NUI Galway staff. Your book must denote National University of Ireland, Galway as its publisher.

What is an ISBN?

An ISBN is an International Standard Book Number.  An ISBN is a product number, used by publishers, booksellers and libraries for ordering, listing and stock control purposes. It enables them to identify a particular publisher and allows the publisher to identify a specific edition of a specific title in a specific format within their output.  The ISBN Agency is the national agency for the UK and Republic of Ireland.

How do I get an ISBN?

If a commercial/academic publisher is publishing your book then that publisher will assign the ISBN.

If you are not a member of NUI Galway staff, you should apply to Nielsens, the ISBN Agents for the UK and Ireland for an ISBN.

If you are a staff member, researcher or student at NUI Galway and wish to apply for an ISBN, the Library maintains a range of ISBN numbers that can be assigned to the publications of NUI Galway staff, researchers and students.  This service is for NUI Galway staff only and your book must denote National University of Ireland, Galway as its publisher. 

What information is required by the Library to assign an ISBN?

To get an ISBN for your book you will need complete and an ISBN Application Form.  Details required include title, physical details, contributors, subject and language.

What happens when I submit a completed ISBN application form?

Once you return your completed  ISBN Application Form the Library will provide you with the ISBN number for your book. The Library will also register your ISBN on Nielsens.

What is an ISSN?

An ISSN is an 8-digit code which identifies a serial or journal publication, i.e. a publication issued in successive parts, having a common title, and intended to be continued indefinitely.  If you are publishing a journal or any serial publication, you will maximise its visibility by assigning an ISSN to the journal.

How do I get an ISSN?

ISSNs are issued by The Irish ISSN Centre in the National Library of Ireland

For more information contact:

Irish ISSN Centre,
National Library of Ireland,
Kildare St,
Dublin 2.
Tel: (01) 6030351 
Fax: (01) 6030289

Go to the Library Guide on Managing your Research Profile to learn about ORCID id identifiers for researchers