DOI (digital object identifier) is an identification code for a journal article or other published works. The code was developed and introduced in 2000 by the International DOI Foundation (IDF) and is assigned by the publisher. A DOI is generated by a registration agency (e.g DataCite) that contains an alphanumeric string beginning with “10” and a prefix of four or more numbers. The prefix is followed by a slash (/) and a suffix. The suffix is assigned by the publisher.
DOIs create unique uniform resource locators (URLs) that begin with https://doi.org/. DOIs are used as electronic links to an article’s location and helps identify an article’s subject matter. They should always be used in your printed or electronic articles or in any other published materials. DOIs are usually placed on the first page of a journal article.
Pricing
The pricing for Our DOI services to Journal Publishers are in the following Categories:
1. Category A (Premium)
This is the category for Journals with high frequency of publications. It is also a category for Journals will a large archive. This category attracts a Membership fee of $200 a year and $1 per DOI.
2. Category B (Platinum)
This is the category for Journals with fewer frequency of publications. e.g Quarterly or Biannually. This category attracts a one-time membership fee of $250, $2 per DOI and $50 yearly organizational fee..
3. Category C (Gold)
This is the category for a group of Journals who can come together to form a modular consortium probably within a Faculty or Department. This group can be between 2 Journals and 5 Journals. This category attracts a one-time membership fee of $300, $2 per DOI and $100 yearly organizational fee covering all the members of the consortium.
For Associations and Institutions who are still interested in Category C but have more than 5 Journals to pull together, it will attract a yearly membership fee of $300, $2 per DOI and $100 yearly organizational fee.
4. Category D (Silver)
This category is for Journals who publish very few articles in a year. Not more than 5 articles in a volume. Such Journals can pay $3 per DOI. No membership fee will be necessary.
To Get started as a Member, please submit the Membership Registration Form.
The Disadvantages of a Free DOI for a Journal
While obtaining a free Digital Object Identifier (DOI) might seem like an appealing option, especially for individuals or small organizations with limited resources, there are several potential disadvantages to consider:
Limited Services: Free DOIs may come with limited or basic services compared to paid options. This could include fewer features for metadata management, tracking usage statistics, or customer support.
Lack of Credibility: Some publishers and institutions might perceive free DOIs as less credible or reputable compared to those obtained through established DOI registration agencies. This perception could potentially impact the visibility and acceptance of your work within academic or professional circles.
Potential Restrictions: Free DOI providers may impose restrictions on the types of content eligible for registration or the number of DOIs an individual or organization can obtain. These limitations could hinder your ability to fully utilize the DOI system for your publications or other digital resources.
Instability: Free DOI services might be more susceptible to changes in policies, funding, or operational status. This instability could pose risks to the long-term accessibility and persistence of your DOIs and associated content.
Limited Integration: Some scholarly databases, repositories, and indexing services may prioritize content with DOIs from recognized registration agencies or publishers. Having a free DOI may limit your ability to integrate your work into these platforms, potentially reducing its discoverability and impact.
Support and Maintenance: Free DOI services might lack robust support and maintenance mechanisms, making it challenging to resolve technical issues or update metadata as needed. This could result in difficulties managing and maintaining your DOI-assigned content over time.
Data Privacy and Security: Depending on the provider, free DOI services may have varying levels of data privacy and security measures in place. It’s essential to ensure that your chosen provider adheres to relevant privacy regulations and safeguards to protect your information and intellectual property rights.
Perception of Quality: In some cases, having a free DOI associated with your work could inadvertently convey a perception of lower quality or legitimacy, particularly if the DOI provider is relatively unknown or lacks a strong reputation in scholarly or professional circles.
Ultimately, when considering whether to obtain a free DOI, it’s crucial to weigh these potential disadvantages against the benefits and determine the best fit for your specific needs and circumstances.
