By Joy Davidson, DCC
Published: 17 October 2006
Please cite as: Davidson, J. (2006). "Persistent Identifiers". DCC Briefing Papers: Introduction to Curation. Edinburgh: Digital Curation Centre. Handle: 1842/3368. Available online: /resources/briefing-papers/introduction-curation
Browse the paper below or download the pdf.
The persistent identification of digital resources can play a vital role in enabling their accessibility and re-usability over time. However, progress in defining the nature and functional requirements for identifier systems is hindered by a lack of shared agreement on what identifiers should actually do. To some, an identifier system is strictly a means of providing a unique name to a digital or analogue resource — either globally or locally. To others, identifier systems must also incorporate associated services such as resolution and metadata binding. Specific requirements will differ, but it is vital that institutions recognise that the application and maintenance of identifiers forms just one part of an overall digital preservation strategy. Without adequate institutional commitment and clearly defined roles and responsibilities, identifiers cannot offer any guarantees of persistence, locatability, or actionability in the long or short-term.
Short-term benefits:
Long-term value:
"At the end of the day, the only guarantee of the usefulness and persistence of identifier systems is the commitment of the organisation which assign, manage and resolve identifiers."
— Stuart Weibel, Senior Research Scientist, OCLC
"Shortcomings in scientific data provision and inter-disciplinary use have been identified. Data sources are widely unknown and data are often archived without context. The suggested solution is publication of primary data together with long-term archiving and context documentation at scientific community level. The use of persistent identifiers (DOI/URN) together with meta information for citing electronic publications (ISO 690-2) allow for persistent access within the Internet and for integration of scientific primary data into standard library catalogues. Primary data are then searchable together with scientific articles and can be cited within literature like other publications."
— Michael Lautenschlager, Director, World Data Center for Climate at Model and Data/Max-Planck-Institute for Meteorology
Functional requirements will differ depending on the individual institution, but the following questions should be carefully considered prior to the implementation of any identification strategy: