FAQ for the use of IGSN

FAQ zur Nutzung von IGSN in der Helmholtz Gemeinschaft

Author: Helmholtz Metadata Collaboration, Hub Earth and Environment

(https://earth-and-environment.helmholtz-metadaten.de)

Who is this document for?

This document is intended for

  • sample collectors, sample processors, laboratories,

  • researchers,

  • data stewards, repository operators, IT, and

  • center management

For these groups, HMC Hub Earth and Environment defines roles and tasks. (Recommendation to use IGSN)

What is IGSN?

The International Generic Sample Number (IGSN) is a globally unique, persistent identifier for material samples. Goal: unambiguous reference and linking across the entire research workflow. (Recommendation to use IGSN, DataCite IGSN IDs)

What is IGSN used for?

For transparent data provenance (sample ↔ datasets/publications/instruments/people/organizations) and for parent/child relationships in the case of subsamples; can be harvested and made available via infrastructures. (DataCite IGSN IDs)

Which organization is behind IGSN?

IGSN e.V. is responsible for governance and the community; since the partnership, DataCite operates the IGSN registration services (DOI-based). (IGSN e.V.)

Why is the use of IGSN important for the Helmholtz community?

It increases traceability, reproducibility, and interoperability, and is recommended as a standard in the HMC wiki (Recommendation to use IGSN).

Where and how is IGSN registered?

Via DataCite: IGSN IDs are “functionally DOIs”; registration via Fabrica/REST API in an IGSN ID catalog repository (separate repository/prefix). (DataCite Registering IGSN IDs)

Who is responsible for maintaining IGSN records?

The registering organization (stewardship/maintenance obligation according to the DataCite policy). HMC recommends clearly assigning responsibilities internally. (DataCite DOI Registration Policy, Recommendation to use IGSN)

Where and how do I update IGSN records?

In the Fabrica portal or via the DataCite REST API; changes update the DOI/IGSN metadata and the landing page. (DataCite Registering IGSN IDs)

How do I know the IGSN of a specific sample?

On the sample/repository landing page, in the local sample inventory, or via DataCite Commons (search by title/DOI/organization). (DataCite Commons)

How can I find out which sample is behind a specific IGSN?

Resolve the IGSN (DOI) → the landing page shows the sample description and metadata (best practice for DOIs). Older IGSN links also remain functional after the migration. (Best Practices for DOI Landing Pages, Changes Due to the IGSN–DataCite Partnership)

Who owns an IGSN record?

The registry is open; there is no ownership of the record in a legal sense. The registering organization is responsible for correctness and up-to-dateness (stewardship). (DataCite DOI Registration Policy)

Are there alternatives to IGSN?

Local inventory numbers, generic DOIs/Handles, or ARK. However, HMC Hub Earth and Environment recommends IGSN as the sample-specific standard due to the schema, community practice, and the associated interoperability. (Recommendation to use IGSN)