FAQ for the use of DataCite DOIs

Who is this document for?
This document is intended for

• repository operators, IT & data stewards,

• researchers/authors, and

• center management.

(Recommendation to use DataCite DOI)

What is the DataCite DOI?
A persistent, globally resolvable DOI (Digital Object Identifier) that is registered via DataCite and points to a landing page with core metadata according to the DataCite Metadata Schema. DataCite assigns DOIs for data and other research outputs (e.g., software, samples, preprints). (DataCite, DataCite Metadata Schema)

What is the DataCite DOI used for?
For citation, findability, interoperability, and linkages (RelatedIdentifiers) in workflows; the DOI remains stable, metadata can be updated. (Introduction to the DataCite Metadata Schema, DataCite Metadata Schema)

Which organization is behind the DataCite DOI?
DataCite e. V. is an international, non-profit DOI registration agency for research data and outputs. (DataCite, Wikipedia DataCite)

Why is the use of DataCite DOIs important for the Helmholtz community?
HMC recommends assigning DataCite DOIs to datasets (close to the time of submission), providing complete metadata, and keeping it up to date—for FAIR compliance and cross-center interoperability. (Recommendation to use DataCite DOI)

Where and how is the DataCite DOI registered?
Via Fabrica (web UI) or the REST API by a DataCite member or via a consortium; the repository receives a DOI prefix. (Introduction to DataCite Fabrica)

Who is responsible for maintaining DataCite DOI records?
The registering organization (repository/member) – DataCite expects active stewardship: keep the landing page functional and maintain the metadata. (DataCite DOI Registration Policy)

Where and how do I change DataCite DOI records?
Update the metadata in the Fabrica portal or via the REST API; the DOI itself remains unchanged. (Introduction to DataCite Fabrica)

How do I know the DataCite DOI of a specific dataset?
On the dataset landing page/in the repository or via DataCite Commons (search by title/DOI/organization). (DataCite Commons)

How can I find out which dataset is behind a specific DataCite DOI?
Resolve the DOI (https://doi.org/…) → leads to the landing page with description/metadata; alternatively, view it in DataCite Commons. (DataCite Commons)

Who owns a DataCite DOI record?
The record is part of the open DataCite registry; stewardship lies with the registering organization. DataCite metadata are openly available under CC0 (publicly reusable). (DataCite DOI Registration Policy)

Are there alternatives to DataCite DOIs?
Yes: Crossref DOIs (especially for publications), Handle/ePIC, ARK, URN. However, for datasets we recommend DataCite DOIs and their active maintenance. (Recommendation to use DataCite DOI)

What else are DataCite DOIs used for, besides datasets?

In short: for almost all types of research outputs—not only datasets. DataCite assigns DOIs, among others, for:

• Software & reproducibility artifacts: software releases/repositories, computational notebooks, workflows/workplans. (DataCite ResourceType)

• Preprints & manuscript versions (in addition to Crossref article DOIs): preprints, postprints, author manuscripts. (DataCite Preprints, post-prints and author manuscripts)

• Models & standards: e.g., ML/simulation models, standard documents/protocols. (DataCite ResourceType)

• Instruments & devices: specific instrument instances (e.g., mass spectrometers, buoy sensors). (DataCite DOI for Instruments)[1]

• Physical objects/samples: PhysicalObject – including IGSN, which are now registered as DataCite DOIs. (DataCite Metadata Schema, DataCite Partnership with IGSN)[2]

• Texts & media: reports, books/chapters/theses, conference papers/proceedings, images, audiovisual, sound, interactive resources, collections, data papers, etc. (DataCite ResourceType)

• Services & event objects: Service (e.g., an API), Event objects. (DataCite ResrouceType)

• Project-related outputs: e.g., output management plans; even awards/grants can—where meaningful—receive DOIs. (DataCite ResourceType, DataCite DOI for Awards)

The complete resource type list (resourceTypeGeneral), maintained by DataCite, can be found in the schema documentation; since Schema 4.5, Instrument and StudyRegistration, among others, have been added. (DataCite RecourseType, DataCite Metadata Schema)