Persistent identifiers, sometimes called PIDs, are globally unique, machine-resolvable digital identifiers that assigned to an entity. The identifier unambiguously and easily identifies the entity. PIDs also solve the lack of persistent issue common with URLs, as the location of an entity can change and a URL can break. If the location changes, the PID system can update the location for the entity, allowing the identifier to persist beyond broken websites and migrated platforms.
Persistent identifiers are a best practice and a research expectation. They are required by many parts of the United States federal funder system (such as NSPM-33 requiring persistent id's for researchers) and a key aspect of the FAIR Principles (Wilkinson 2016). They are an essential element underpinning the research landscape, allowing for related resources to be connected, accurate metrics to be collected, and scholarly materials to be cited in a way that gives proper attribution.
A persistent identifier called a Handle is automatically assigned to each record item in ScholarlyCommons. You can find this by looking at the bottom left hand of a record for the Permalink label.
The assigned Handle will follow the basic structure of https://repository.upenn.edu/handle/20.500.14332/58846. It is made up of the repository location, the repositories assigned prefix (20.500.14332 is ScholarlyCommons), and the unique id for the item.
ScholarlyCommons has the ability to mint a Digital Object Identifier (DOI) for items in the repository, but we are unable to automate the process at this time. In order to get a DOI, an item must already have a Handle. This means an item must already be available in ScholarlyCommons in order for us to create a DOI.
If a record item has an assigned DOI, it will appear in the center middle of the item page under the Digital Object Identifier label.
The assigned DOI will follow the basic structure of https://doi.org/10.48659/mfdw-p695. Similar to a Handle, it is made up of the repository location, the repositories assigned prefix (10.48659 is ScholarlyCommons), and the unique id for the item. DOIs should always be displayed as the full HTTPS URL, not as doi:10.48659/mfdw-p695.
Handles are simply a different form of persistent and unique identifier from the DOI. Both forms are good quality and standard practice, but some people prefer DOIs which is why we offer this option. If your work already has a DOI assigned from a journal or outside platform, you can enter this when you submit your item. You should not have more than one DOI per work.
Please fill out the ScholarlyCommons DOI Request Form to indicate what existing items in the repository you would like to receive a DOI for.
Important Information:
For DOI requests for 5 items or under, we aim for a turn around timeframe of two weeks. Any more than that will be individually evaluated at the time of request.
We can only assign DOIs after a submissions acceptance into ScholarlyCommons.
Questions can be directed to libraryrepository@upenn.edu.
