What should I do if I can't find a DOI for an article?

What to Do If You Can’t Find a DOI for an Article

If an article does not have an easily accessible DOI, you can take several steps to locate it or determine alternative citation methods.

1. Search for the DOI Using Reliable Tools

• Crossref Metadata Search: Visit Crossref’s search tool and enter the article’s title, author, or journal name to check if a DOI has been assigned.
• DOI Lookup via DataCite: If the article is a dataset or grey literature, searching on DataCite might be helpful.
• Publisher’s Website: Many publishers display DOIs on the article’s webpage, near the title, abstract, or citation details.
• Google Scholar: Search the article’s title in Google Scholar, as it sometimes includes DOI links in citations.

2. Use DOI Resolver Tools

If you have a DOI but are unsure whether it is correct, enter it into a DOI resolver such as https://doi.org to verify its validity.

3. What If No DOI Exists?

Not all articles have DOIs, particularly those published before widespread DOI adoption or in smaller journals. If the article lacks a DOI:

• Use a Persistent Identifier Alternative: Some repositories assign alternative identifiers, such as Handle.net, PubMed ID (PMID), or arXiv ID for preprints.
• Cite the Article Without a DOI: Follow the citation style required (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.), omitting the DOI and including the publisher’s website or a direct URL instead.
• Check Platforms Like Scholar9 and OJSCloud: If you are managing a journal and need DOI registration, Scholar9 and OJSCloud provide DOI assignment services through Crossref, ensuring articles have permanent identifiers.

Conclusion

Start by searching for the DOI using Crossref, DataCite, the publisher’s website, or Google Scholar. If the article does not have a DOI, rely on alternative identifiers or cite it using a stable URL. For journal managers or authors needing DOI registration, Scholar9 and OJSCloud offer integrated DOI solutions to enhance research visibility and accessibility