The Digital Object Identifier (DOI) is a system for identifying and exchanging intellectual property in the digital environment.

The DOI System provides a framework for managing intellectual content, for linking customers with content suppliers, for facilitating electronic commerce, and enabling automated copyright management for all types of media. The system is managed and directed by the International DOI Foundation. Several million DOIs have been assigned by DOI Registration Agencies in the US, Australasia, and Europe.

DOIs are names (characters and/or digits) assigned to objects of intellectual property (physical, digital or abstract) such as electronic journal articles, images, learning objects, ebooks, any kind of content. They are used to provide current information, including where they (or information about them) can be found on the Internet. Information about a digital object may change over time, including where to find it, but its DOI will not change.

Using DOIs as identifiers makes managing intellectual property in a networked environment much easier and more convenient, and allows the construction of automated services and transactions for e-commerce.

To learn more about DOIs, see the Overviews, and begin with the Introductory Overview and Introductory Slide Presentation. The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) cover a wide range of topics, both general and technical. For the most complete description of all aspects of the DOI System technology and policy, consult the DOI Handbook.

Type or paste a DOI (i.e., 10.1000/182) into the text box below.