DOI is not just a number — it is a global academic standard
DOI (Digital Object Identifier) is a unique digital identifier assigned to scholarly publications. It allows articles to be reliably identified, found online, and correctly indexed in international academic systems.
Example:
10.1234/journal.2026.001
Unlike ordinary URLs, DOI links do not break over time, even if the journal website structure changes.
Who uses DOI?
DOI is a core component of the global scholarly infrastructure and is used by:
- academic journals
- universities and research institutions
- international databases (Scopus, Web of Science, DOAJ)
- citation systems (Google Scholar)
- publishers and funding organizations
DOIs are registered through international registration agencies, the largest of which is Crossref.
Why does an academic article need a DOI?
1. Global identification
A DOI makes an article officially recognizable within the international research ecosystem.
2. Proper citation
Modern citation styles (APA, Chicago, Vancouver, etc.) prioritize DOI as the most reliable reference element.
3. Indexing in academic databases
DOI is essential or strongly recommended for:
- DOAJ
- Scopus
- Web of Science
- Google Scholar
4. Permanent access
Even if a journal website changes, the DOI always redirects to the current version of the article.
Why does a journal need DOI?
For a journal, DOI is not a technical detail — it is a marker of credibility and maturity.
A journal with DOI:
- follows international publishing standards
- demonstrates editorial transparency
- manages metadata correctly
- is prepared for international evaluation and indexing
Journals without DOI often face:
- rejection from DOAJ
- negative expert reviews
- low citation rates
What does a DOI actually include?
A DOI is linked to structured metadata, including:
- article title
- authors and ORCID IDs
- affiliations
- abstract
- keywords
- journal ISSN
- full-text URL
Metadata errors can seriously affect indexing and citation accuracy.
Who can register DOI?
DOIs are officially registered:
- directly through Crossref
- or via authorized Crossref sponsors
For most journals, working with a sponsor:
- reduces technical risks
- ensures metadata compliance
- simplifies administration
- provides professional support
Conclusion
DOI is a foundation of modern scholarly publishing.Without DOI, articles lose visibility and journals lose trust.
