Answered By: Jessi Gorton
Last Updated: Jul 07, 2025     Views: 1

Digital materials, including journal articles, books, datasets, and other research outputs, can be assigned unique alphanumeric IDs called DOIs. A few advantages of using DOIs for published work are listed below:

  • Citations: Because DOIs offer a uniform, stable identity that is simple to incorporate in bibliographies, they make it easier to correctly cite digital work.
  • Discoverability: As DOIs are easily indexed by search engines, library catalogs, and other databases, they increase the discoverability of your digital content.
  • Interoperability: Since many different systems and organizations use DOIs, thier use can promote integration and interoperability between various platforms and software.
  • Metrics: Publishers and authors may track usage of their content thanks to DOIs, which provide helpful statistics for assessing and evaluating the content's impact.
  • Permanent links: DOIs create a permanent link to a piece of digital content, making it accessible even if the URL changes.
  • Version control: Different versions of digital content can each be given DOIs, enabling users to quickly access and compare various versions over time.


If you would like a DOI assigned to the work you are submitting to the OHSU Digital Collections, simply select 'yes' to the "Generate DOI" question in the Submission Form. If you have any questions about DOIs, please contact the OHSU Library.

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