How many DOI providers charge?

DOI providers, often referred to as DOI registration agencies, offer a range of services related to assigning and managing Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs). The cost structure for these services can vary, with some providers offering free DOI registration while others charge fees. Below, we’ll explore the landscape of DOI providers and their charging models.

1. Crossref: Crossref, one of the largest and most well-known DOI registration agencies, charges fees to its members. Publishers, journals, and organizations that wish to assign DOIs to their content through Crossref typically pay an annual membership fee. The fees vary depending on the size and type of the organization.
2. DataCite: DataCite is another major DOI registration agency, primarily focused on research data. DataCite’s pricing model includes both member and non-member options. Members, such as research institutions and data repositories, pay annual fees, while non-members can use DataCite’s services for a fee per DOI.
3. Figshare: Figshare offers DOI registration as part of its data-sharing and publishing platform. It provides both free and paid plans. While basic DOI registration may be included in free plans, organizations or researchers with more extensive needs may opt for premium plans with additional features.
4. Zenodo: Zenodo, a repository and DOI provider, is affiliated with CERN and offers free DOI registration for research outputs. Researchers can deposit their data, code, and publications and receive DOIs without incurring charges.
5. Dryad: Dryad, a repository specializing in research data, charges fees to organizations and journals that wish to integrate with its platform. These fees cover the assignment of DOIs to datasets and data curation services.
6. PANGAEA: PANGAEA, focused on earth and environmental science data, offers both free and paid DOI registration services. Free DOI registration is available for datasets, while premium services may incur charges.
7. mEDRA: mEDRA provides DOI registration services for European publishers and organizations. Their pricing structure can vary, with fees based on the type and volume of content being registered.

It’s important to note that the availability of free DOI registration often comes with limitations, such as the types of content that can be registered for free or the level of service and metadata provided. Some organizations and researchers may choose to pay for DOI services to access additional features, increased support, and enhanced metadata services. Additionally, DOI registration fees may be influenced by factors such as the volume of DOIs to be registered and the specific needs of the organization.

When considering a DOI provider, it’s essential to review their pricing structure, terms, and services to determine the best fit for your requirements and budget.