FAQ: What is a Digital Object Identifier (DOI), and should the work I submit to TIND have one?

What is a DOI?

A Digital Object Identifier (DOI) is a permanent, unique link assigned to a specific scholarly work—like a journal article, dataset, thesis, or report. It ensures your work can always be found, cited, and credited properly, even if the location changes. TIND will apply a Datacite DOI to your work if you select this option.  

Think of it like a digital fingerprint for your research. Read more at the DOI Foundation.

Should My Work Have a DOI? 

Yes, if your work is: 

• A substantial scholarly or creative work 

• Publicly accessible long-term 

• Something others might want to cite (e.g., articles, theses, datasets, software) 

No, if your work is: 

• Already has a DOI from a publisher or repository 

• A minor revision or duplicate 

• Temporary, private, or administrative in nature