Digital Object Identifier (DOI) providers play a crucial role in assigning unique and persistent identifiers to digital and physical objects. While many DOI registration agencies charge fees for their services, there are also several providers that offer free DOI registration. In this article, we’ll explore some of the DOI providers that offer free DOI services:
Zenodo #
Zenodo, operated by CERN, is a free and open-access repository that allows researchers to deposit and share various research outputs, including datasets, software, and scholarly publications. Zenodo assigns DOIs to these deposited items, making them easily citable and discoverable.
Dryad #
Dryad is a nonprofit repository that focuses on hosting research data associated with scholarly publications. It provides free DOI assignments for datasets linked to academic articles. Researchers can deposit their data in Dryad and receive DOIs at no cost.
PANGAEA #
PANGAEA is a data repository that specializes in earth and environmental science data. It offers free DOI registration for datasets in these domains, ensuring that scientific data can be uniquely identified and cited.
Public Data #
In some cases, government agencies and institutions provide free DOI registration services for specific types of data and publications. These services are often aimed at promoting open access to government-generated information and research.
Research Institutions #
Some universities and research institutions have DOI registration services for their researchers and faculty members. These services may offer free DOI assignments for research outputs, publications, and data.
Community Efforts #
Various community-driven initiatives and open-access projects may offer free DOI registration as part of their mission to promote open science and research transparency. These initiatives may be specific to certain research fields or disciplines.
It’s important to note that the availability of free DOI services may be subject to certain conditions or limitations. For example, some free DOI providers may prioritize specific content types or research areas, while others may offer limited support or metadata services compared to paid providers.
When considering a free DOI provider, it’s essential to review their policies and offerings to ensure they align with your needs. Additionally, keep in mind that the landscape of DOI providers is continuously evolving, and new initiatives may have emerged since my last knowledge update. Researchers and organizations seeking free DOI services should explore the most current options and resources available in their specific field or region.
