For FAQs and current status of services and policies see UW Libraries Operations Updates
What is a DOI? A DOI is a persistent, unique digital identifier associated with an object, which contains metadata that makes the object easier to find. DOIs create a link to the content’s location on the internet, so that the DOI will always point to the correct unique object.
*** If you're ready to request a DOI, fill out the DOI form. ***
If you have more than 5 DOIs to be requested, please contact uwlib-scp@uw.edu about batch upload.
Why might I need a DOI? DOIs are increasingly desired -- and sometimes required -- by journal publishers. A DOI creates a stable URL that allows for persistent access to digital materials. If you graduate, change universities, or migrate content to a new server, as long as the DOI record is updated, the change is invisible to users.
What can I get a DOI for?
How do I get a DOI? The UW Libraries has contracted with DataCite to create digital object identifiers (DOIs) for UW researchers. All DOIs assigned through UW service will start with 10.6069. Request a DOI here.
Before you get started, look at the example DOIs on bottom of this page to get an idea of how the information you provide for your DOI will appear.
Step 1: Prepare information about the resource(s)
Information we need from you to create a DOI:
URL: web page with information about object
Creator(s): authors of the object (anyone who should appear in the citation), see the multiple author example
Title: Title of project/object
Publisher: The name of the entity that holds, archives, publishes prints, distributes, releases, issues, or produces the resource. This property will be used to formulate the citation, so consider the prominence of the role.
Publication Year: The year when the data was or will be made publicly available.
Resource Type: Text, Dataset, Image, etc
Description (optional): All additional information that does not fit in any of the other categories, including an abstract
Step 2: Verify that URL points to an active web page. If object is embargoed or not yet published (for example if a publisher needs a DOI before publishing) contact uwlib-doi@uw.edu.
Step 3: Input gathered information into the DOI request form
Step 4: You will receive the DOI(s) via email
If you have other questions about acquiring a DOI, contact Research Data Services.
Single Author Example:
DOI: 10.6069/H5MW2F2Q
Information input:
Creator(s): Mitchell, Todd
Title: Sahel Precipitation Index
Publisher: The Joint Institute for the Study of the Atmosphere and Ocean (JISAO)
Publication Year: 1997
Resource Type (Text, Dataset, Image, etc): Dataset
Description (optional):
Citation (APA example): Mitchell, T. (1997). Sahel Precipitation Index [Data set]. The Joint Institute for the Study of the Atmosphere and Ocean (JISAO). https://doi.org/10.6069/H5MW2F2Q
If you would like to see the DOI in other citation formats, input the DOI into CrossCite
DOI: 10.6069/M12V-M513
Information input:
Creator(s): MacLean, Brendan X.; Pratt, Brian S.; Egertson Jarrett D.; MacCoss, Michael J.; Smith, Richard D.; Baker, Erin S.
Title: Using Skyline to Analyze Data-Containing Liquid Chromatography, Ion Mobility Spectrometry, and Mass Spectrometry Dimensions. Journal of The American Society for Mass Spectrometry
Publisher: Panorama Public (https://panoramaweb.org/public.url)
Publication Year: 2018
Resource Type (Text, Dataset, Image, etc): Dataset
Description (optional):
Citation (APA format): MacLean, B. X., Pratt, B. S., Egertson, J. D., MacCoss, M. J., Smith, R. D., & Baker, E. S. Using Skyline to Analyze Data-Containing Liquid Chromatography, Ion Mobility Spectrometry, and Mass Spectrometry Dimensions. Journal of The American Society for Mass Spectrometry . Panorama Public (https://panoramaweb.org/public.url). https://doi.org/10.6069/M12V-M513
If you would like to see the DOI in other citation formats, input the DOI into CrossCite