Designing and Developing a DOI Application > Defining an Identifier Scheme

If you need to define a new identifier scheme, consider the following:

•Avoid re-inventing the wheel: if it appears that you need to devise a new identifier scheme, examine whether the problem can be avoided by re-using existing identifiers.

•If a new scheme is needed, consider if an existing protocol or identifier registry can be harnessed to implement your scheme.

•Register your scheme with an appropriate public namespace declaration.

•Provide easy links for semantic mapping by specifying a well-formed metadata scheme and publishing it.

•Consider the community and business implications for others who may need to use your scheme.

•Provide clear guidance on rights and obligations of use of your scheme.

•Adopt identifiers with a mechanism for ensuring persistence.