It identifies a source
A DOI is a unique code or link connected to a digital item, often a journal article.
Video 10 of 16 · Foundations of Referencing
What is a DOI?
A stable route to the exact source.
A DOI is a Digital Object Identifier. It helps readers find, check and trace a digital source, even when ordinary web links change.
Identify the exact source
More stable than a URL
Useful when available
Watch
DOIs, explained simply
Use this video to understand what a DOI is, what it looks like and why it can make a source easier to trace.
Watch the video first, then use the sections below to check the main ideas.
In this lesson
Learn the essentials
A DOI is one of the clearest ways to point readers to the exact digital source you used.
It supports traceability
Because it is designed to be stable, it can help readers find a source even if a website changes.
It is not always present
Some sources do not have a DOI, so you only include one when it exists and your style guidance asks for it.
The source trail
How a DOI helps your reader
A DOI acts like a reliable pointer between the reference and the digital source.
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Digital source
A journal article or other digital item is published.
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DOI assigned
The source has a unique identifier, often beginning with 10.
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Reference includes it
The DOI is added to the reference when available.
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Reader checks
The reader can use it to locate and verify the exact source.
Example
What a DOI might look like in a reference
A DOI often appears at the end of a reference, either as a code or as a DOI link.
A DOI can help your reader move from the reference to the exact source: 10.xxxx/example
Taylor, A. (2024) 'Using evidence well', Example Journal, 12(2), pp. 45–59. doi:10.xxxx/example.
The DOI is not a replacement for the rest of the reference. It adds a stable identifier to the source details.
Quick checks
Three things to remember
Look for the exact source
A DOI points to a specific item, not just a general website or search result.
Recognise the pattern
Many DOIs begin with 10, followed by more numbers, letters or symbols.
Do not invent one
If a source does not have a DOI, use the other reference details your style requires.
Read
Transcript
Open the transcript if you prefer to read the explanation or revisit a specific part of the video.
Read the transcript
A DOI is a Digital Object Identifier.
It is a unique link or code used to identify a digital source, often a journal article.
Unlike ordinary web links, a DOI is designed to provide a stable route to the source, even if the website changes.
A DOI often looks like a long set of numbers and letters, usually beginning with 10.
For example, 10 dot something.
When a reference includes a DOI, it can help your reader find the exact source more easily.
Not every source has a DOI, but when one is available, it is often useful to include it.
A DOI helps make a source easier to find, check, and trace.
Using Ref-Check
How this connects to Ref-Check
Ref-Check helps users review identifying details in references and check DOI information where it is available. A DOI can make the exact source easier to locate, verify and trace.
Use the DOI as part of the source trail
The DOI supports the reference, but it works best alongside the author, date, title and publication details.