Can I get a DOI for my unpublished work?

Obtaining a DOI for Unpublished Work

Yes, it is possible to obtain a DOI (Digital Object Identifier) for unpublished work, such as preprints, datasets, theses, reports, and other research outputs. Several repositories and platforms assign DOIs to ensure long-term accessibility, proper citation, and credibility of unpublished materials.

1. Platforms Offering DOIs for Unpublished Work

Various repositories and platforms provide DOIs for different types of unpublished materials:

• arXiv and bioRxiv assign DOIs to preprints in physics, mathematics, computer science, and biology.
• SSRN issues DOIs for working papers in social sciences and law.
• Zenodo provides DOIs for preprints, datasets, software, and other research outputs through DataCite.
• Figshare offers DOI registration for datasets, figures, and grey literature, with both free and paid options.
• Dryad specializes in assigning DOIs for scientific datasets, usually requiring a processing fee.
• Institutional Repositories, affiliated with universities or research organizations, often provide DOI registration through DataCite.
• Scholar9 and OJSCloud offer affordable DOI registration for researchers, journals, and academic institutions, integrating with Crossref to ensure proper indexing and accessibility.

2. Key Considerations Before Assigning a DOI to Unpublished Work

• Permanence: Once assigned, a DOI cannot be deleted, ensuring the document remains accessible indefinitely.
• Versioning: Some repositories (e.g., Zenodo) allow DOI updates with version tracking, maintaining a record of revisions.
• Copyright & Licensing: Choose an appropriate license (e.g., CC BY, CC0) to define reuse permissions for your work.

3. Steps to Obtain a DOI for Unpublished Work

1. Select a Suitable Repository – Choose a platform based on your work type (e.g., Zenodo for datasets, arXiv for preprints).
2. Create an Account – Register with the chosen repository or service provider.
3. Upload Your Work – Provide necessary metadata (title, authors, abstract, keywords).
4. Receive a DOI – The platform assigns a unique DOI that can be used for citation and sharing.

Conclusion

Researchers can obtain DOIs for unpublished work through preprint servers (arXiv, bioRxiv, SSRN), data repositories (Zenodo, Figshare, Dryad), or institutional repositories linked to DataCite or Crossref. Additionally, Scholar9 and OJSCloud provide affordable DOI registration services, making it easier for researchers and publishers to manage and assign DOIs to their academic outputs efficiently.