The Community
What are Registration Agencies?
Registration Agencies (RAs) support individuals and organizations that need to identify and monitor valuable resources. Their responsibilities include assigning DOI prefixes, registering DOI names, and managing the metadata structure linked to each DOI entry.
Since each RA serves a specific sector or community, many have created tailored services that go beyond standard DOI registration — offering added value to the groups they represent. While every RA operates differently, they all adhere to a set of shared principles and responsibilities.
WHAT ARE RAs RESPONSIBLE FOR?
Registration Agencies (RAs) commit to providing dependable and consistent DOI services to the communities they serve. They operate under shared policies and agreements that ensure alignment across the system. Each RA signs a formal Agreement (PDF), which:
outlines the rights they are granted,
defines the responsibilities of both the RA and the DOI Foundation,
clarifies intellectual property ownership, and
explains procedures for changes, termination, and service continuity.
Each Registration Agency (RA) appoints a representative to serve as a Board Director of the DOI Foundation. Collectively, these directors oversee the ongoing operation of both the DOI Foundation and the DOI System. In practice, they meet regularly to exchange insights, share best practices, and focus on long-term reliability.
A core commitment they uphold is the agreement to take over the responsibilities of any RA that withdraws from the system—ensuring the continuity and persistence of DOI services.
Learn more about our current Registration Agencies.
