13 Identifier

An identifier is a unique string of characters given to a resource that helps identify within a larger set of data or items.

Questions to Consider When Determining Identifier

• Who will be trying to find this item? Who will be trying to find it within the larger dataset?
• Is there a larger group that you are trying to identify a resource within?
• How will the identifier help the recordkeepers and the people creating metadata? How will it be useful to the users?
• Do you want your identifier to represent some kind of information and if so, what kind?

Identifier Examples

• International Standard Book Number (ISBN)
• Digital Object Identifier (DOI)