PIDapalooza - the annual meeting of the community promoting the use of persistent identifiers (PID) in science - will be held on 29th and 30th January, at Centro Cultural de Belém, in Lisbon. Find out more about PIDs.
What is a persistent identifier (PID)?
This is an element that makes it possible to unequivocally identify a given resource. According to one of the structures promoting this solution, ORCID, an identifier is a "label" that is associated with an entity (person, place or object).
Why do we need PIDs?
PIDs make it possible to precisely reference a given entity in various information systems, thus ensuring the flow of data between systems and compliance with the "Insert once, reuse multiple" principle. For this reason, explains the Australian National Data Service, this is a subject of special interest to anyone working "in the creation or management of data", particularly researchers and research managers.
What distinguishes a PID?
PIDs are distinguished by being unique and persistent. A URL is an example of an identifier - once something is published online, a corresponding link is associated with it. However, unlike PIDs, a URL may "break", no longer leading navigation to content but only pointing to an "http error 404". Given the strategic importance of publishing and sharing scientific content, it is essential to ensure that these entities can be referenced in the long term.
How does a PID work?
Persistent identifiers are included in the metadata description of an entity/resource and can be used to reference that entity/resource in various information systems. Some PIDs are associated with resolution services, so that by clicking on the PID it is possible to access that body/resource.
What types of PID exist?
There are several persistent identifier structures: PURL (Persistent Uniform Resource Locators), DOI (Digital Object Identifiers) or ARK (Archival Resource Keys), for example. Each of these systems has its own particularities, strengths and weaknesses, recalls the Dutch Dutch Digital Heritage Network. This network even provides a guide that helps to understand the steps needed to choose one of the systems.
What is Pidapalooza?
The annual PIDapalooza event is organized by four organizations operating in the area of persistent identifiers(CDL, Crossref, DataCite and ORCID). This meeting of the PID community is usually held in January and consists of two days of sharing experiences and best practices regarding the implementation of this solution. Two days with "lots of interaction, time to chat, a persistent playlist and an eternal flame", emphasises the organisation. In 2020, Lisbon will host this event, on 29 and 30 January. More information at: https://www.pidapalooza.org/
