What is a DOI?
A DOI (Digital Object Identifier) is a permanent, persistent link to an online document. Unlike regular hyperlinks, DOIs are designed not to break, making them the preferred way to reference digital content.
How DOIs Look
All DOIs begin with 10, followed by a unique string of letters and numbers. For example:
Where to Find a DOI
- Journal Articles: Most DOIs appear on the first page of the article, near the publication details—often under the title, in the header, or in the footer.
- Online Resources: Check if the resource provides a DOI in its citation information.
- Academic Books: The DOI may be listed on the copyright page or on the publisher’s website. If you can't find one, don't worry, most books don't have a DOI.
- Crossref: If you cannot locate a DOI, use the free Crossref DOI Lookup.
If No DOI Exists
Some items do not have a DOI. In these cases, use the URL instead.
