EZID Pilot Project
Identify your data; store your data anywhere; get cited for your data; meet funder requirements.
DOIs (digital object identifiers) are unique identifiers that enable the persistent identification, management, and sharing of research products such as data sets. DOIs are an important part of the growing effort to improve access to research data and implement standards for data citation.
In the 2012-2013 academic year, the Libraries will run a pilot project to provide researchers with DOIs for data sets. The Libraries will be using the EZID system from the California Digital Library to generate DOIs upon request. Through this program, researchers will be able to manage, share, and cite their research data, broadening access to their scholarship and facilitating compliance with funder mandates for data sharing.
FAQs
Why should I request a DOI?
Request a DOI to facilitate proper citation of the data, comply with funder mandates for data sharing and provide reliable access to your data for colleagues and community members.
How does a persistent identifier work?
A persistent identifier associates a digital object with a character string, allowing the item to be uniquely identified over time even if it is moved or renamed. Using a persistent identifier, such as DOI, a digital object can be reliably accessed, shared, and cited.
What kinds of data should I request a DOI for?
Request a DOI for datasets that are finished and ready to be shared with colleagues or the community.
Are there limits on the formats or types of data that can get a DOI?
No. Examples of types of data that may receive a DOI include text, numerical data, spreadsheets, PDFs, image files, audio or video files, etc.
Who can request a DOI?
Any faculty, graduate, or undergraduate student can request a DOI.
How do I request a DOI?
Use the form on this page to submit a request for a DOI.
When do I get a DOI?
The Libraries will process your DOI request within one business day.
Is there a limit on the number of DOIs I request?
No. A researcher can request DOIs for as many data sets as they would like; research groups can request an account to be able to create their own DOIs for ongoing research projects.
What happens if I have to take down my data?
In order to get a DOI, your data must meet criteria and should be able to remain public. If you absolutely have to retract your data, contact us. If you have updated a dataset with a DOI, request another DOI.
Request a DOI
To request a DOI, complete and submit the form below. A member of the Data Working Group will process your request within one business day.
Still have questions? Contact datamanagement@library.umass.edu.
Last Edited: 22 October 2012
