Persistent Identifiers

Persistent Unique Identifiers (PIDs) are globally unique, persistent, machine-resolvable digital identifiers. For an introduction to PIDs and their use, please see the Becker Medical Library Introduction to PIDs: What They Are and How to Use Them article.

Persistent Identifiers detailed here include (please select the PID to jump to that section):

For more information on the Persistent Identifiers on this page, please reach out to Scholarly Communication & Digital Publishing Services at digital@wumail.wustl.edu.

Archival Resource Keys (ARK)

An archival resource key (ARK) is recommended for projects that require more flexibility and is available for works not eligible for a DOI from WashU Libraries. Unlike a DOI, an ARK can be deleted.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

A digital object identifier (DOI) provides persistent links that ensure your content remains accessible even if URLs change, enhancing discoverability and credibility while reducing link rot.

WashU Libraries will automatically assign DOIs to eligible works created by a WashU user, which can be an individual or a department/center, and hosted on a library platform. The eligible library platforms are the following:

• WashU Scholarly Repository
• Open Journals
• Open Books
• WashU Research Data (WURD) Repository

International Standard Book Number (ISBN)

Your publisher will manage the assignment of an ISBN to your book. For works published through the Libraries, ScholPub will assign the ISBN.

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

For serial publications, the journal publisher will manage the assignment of an ISSN. ScholPub can assist with the application for an ISSN from the U.S. ISSN Center for journals hosted by the Libraries.