DataCite
Persistent identifiers and guidance on citing research data and other outputs.
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Identify a research output
Match its DOI, creator, version and repository record to the output you consulted.
Check first: The identifier does not replace checking documentation and reuse conditions.
Compare this resource with other directory records →
Read a copied DOI or ORCID before opening its record →
Retrieve metadata for a data DOI
DataCite provides DOI records and their metadata. Identify a dataset by comparing creator, title, year and linked resource. A metadata record does not replace the repository documentation or access conditions.
- Identifier
- Keep the complete DOI.
- Description
- Compare creators, title and resource type.
- Access
- Follow the destination to check files and conditions.
- Suffix meaning
- A suffix containing “v2” does not automatically make the DOI resolve to version 2. Read the record’s version information and relationships.
- DOI state
- Findable makes metadata public and indexed; Registered identifies a registered DOI whose metadata is not exposed through the public API.
- Missing result
- Absence from public search does not establish that a DOI does not exist. Also check resolution and the registration agency.
- Relationship direction
- relatedIdentifier names a related resource; relationType describes the link from the described resource to that other resource. Do not reverse A and B when paraphrasing IsNewVersionOf or IsPartOf.
Source: DataCite Metadata Schema 4.6 — RelatedIdentifier · consulted on - Version versus membership
- IsVersionOf and IsPartOf express different relationships. A file belonging to a collection is not thereby a new version of that collection; inspect linked resources before merging them.
Source: DataCite Metadata Schema 4.6 — RelatedIdentifier · consulted on - Public search
- The public API and DataCite Commons expose Findable DOIs. A Registered DOI is registered in the Handle System, but its metadata is not available through that public search.
Source: DataCite — DOI states · consulted on - Reserved draft
- A Draft record can reserve an identifier without registering it in the Handle System. A prepared identifier string does not establish that a DOI has been published.
Source: DataCite — DOI states · consulted on
Does a DOI record contain the files?
It describes the resource; files and access conditions are generally provided at the linked destination.
Initial profile documentation
- Retrouver les métadonnées d’un DOI de données / Retrieve metadata for a data DOI ↗
- DataCite — DOI Basics ↗
- DataCite — États des DOI ↗
Initial profile documentation consulted on . Added details carry their own source and consultation date above.
Read the direction of a publication relationship
Crossref relationships have a direction: described and linked objects play different roles. Read the relationship before replacing a reference.
- Identify the described object
- Read the relationship
- Compare the cited passage
| Situation | What changes | Useful check |
|---|---|---|
| isPreprintOf / hasPreprint | Links a preprint and associated publication in opposite directions. | Check which document was actually read. |
| isVersionOf / hasVersion | Declares a version relationship. | Compare tables and conclusions; the link does not mean identical text. |
| isReviewOf / hasReview | Links a review and its subject. | Read the review and its scope before concluding. |
A working DOI identifies a resource without awarding a quality label. A missing metadata relationship does not establish that works are unrelated. Retain the title, version and passage used.
Documentation : Crossref — Relationships ↗ ·
Practical methods for this resource
Editorial selection, without website certification. Read our method.