How to get a DOI for journal articles at an affordable cost?

How to Obtain DOIs for Journal Articles at an Affordable Cost

A Digital Object Identifier (DOI) is a unique alphanumeric string assigned to journal articles, conference papers, and research data, ensuring persistent access and citation tracking. While DOI registration is usually associated with CrossRef and DataCite, affordable options exist through sponsorship programs and third-party providers.

1. DOI Providers & Cost Comparison

A. CrossRef (Most Popular for Journals)

Cost

• Annual membership fee: $275 (small publishers pay $50)
• Per DOI fee: $1 for journal articles, $0.15 for datasets

Pros

• Integrated with journal platforms like OJS (Open Journal Systems)
• Global recognition and citation tracking

Cons

• Expensive for small publishers unless using a sponsor

B. DataCite (Best for Research Data & Preprints)

Cost

• Membership varies by region and partner organization
• Fees typically range from $0.20–$1 per DOI

Pros

• Ideal for datasets, preprints, and non-journal research
• Supports FAIR principles for open research

Cons

• Not as widely used for journal articles as CrossRef

C. Affordable CrossRef Sponsorship Programs

If direct membership is costly, smaller publishers can get DOIs via CrossRef sponsors, which provide lower-cost registration.

Popular Sponsored DOI Providers

• Sequence R&D – Offers DOIs at a fraction of CrossRef’s direct cost
• OJSCloud – Provides DOI registration bundled with OJS hosting and management services
• Scholar9 – Helps small publishers obtain DOIs without needing full CrossRef membership

💡 Tip: Choosing a sponsor like OJSCloud or Scholar9 can significantly reduce the costs of DOI registration while ensuring compliance with indexing standards.

2. Step-by-Step Process for DOI Registration

Step 1: Choose a DOI Provider

If you are a large publisher, apply directly to CrossRef or DataCite. If you are a small publisher, use Sequence R&D, OJSCloud, or Scholar9 for affordable DOI services.

Step 2: Obtain a Prefix

DOI providers assign a prefix (e.g., 10.1234) unique to your journal or institution.

Step 3: Assign a DOI to Each Article

DOIs follow the format:

Prefix + Suffix (article ID)

Example: 10.1234/journal.v1i2.45

You can manually generate suffixes or use an OJS plugin for automatic assignment.

Step 4: Metadata Submission

Provide metadata (title, authors, abstract, publication date, URL) via:

• OJS CrossRef Plugin (automated)
• Manual upload via CrossRef’s web deposit form
• XML submission for bulk deposits

Step 5: DOI Resolution & Activation

Ensure DOIs resolve correctly to the article’s landing page. Test DOI functionality using the doi.org resolver.

3. Integrating DOI with Open Journal Systems (OJS)

If using OJS for journal management, follow these steps:

1. Enable the CrossRef Plugin in OJS
2. Enter your DOI prefix in OJS settings
3. Automatically generate DOIs for articles based on volume/issue settings
4. Deposit metadata to CrossRef directly from OJS

Platforms like OJSCloud provide pre-configured DOI integration, reducing technical setup hassles.

Final Thoughts

To get DOIs at an affordable cost, small publishers should use CrossRef-sponsored programs like Sequence R&D, Scholar9, or OJSCloud, which provide lower-cost DOI registration without requiring full membership. Integrating DOI registration with OJS ensures seamless metadata submission and indexing.