doihin

DOIhin is a term used in information science to describe a conceptual framework for linking and preserving digital objects across platforms through persistent identifiers inspired by the Digital Object Identifier (DOI) system. The term has appeared in theoretical discourse and early pilot projects focused on data provenance, interoperability, and long-term accessibility of digital materials.

The model centers on persistent digital identifiers that accompany an object through deposit, migration, and reuse. Alongside the identifier, a provenance record captures authorship, version history, and rights status. DOIhin also emphasizes interoperable metadata, enabling cross-system linking through common schemas and namespace governance.

In practice, implementing DOIhin involves mapping to established identifier schemes (such as DOIs, ARKs, or Handles) and adopting metadata standards (for example Dublin Core or schema.org). It also requires governance arrangements to manage namespaces, update policies, and resolve conflicts when objects are merged or split.

Applications include digital libraries, scientific data repositories, cultural heritage archives, and institutional repositories aiming to improve traceability, reproducibility, and reusability of digital assets across platforms.

Critics point to added complexity, metadata quality requirements, and potential privacy implications of persistent provenance records. Supporters argue that DOIhin can improve data discovery and integrity, provided that clear governance, privacy-by-design practices, and user control mechanisms are in place.

See also Digital Object Identifier, Persistent identifiers, Data provenance, Interoperability.