In-depth practical guides

Check identifiers in a documentary case

Separate format, check digit, assignment and matching when linking authors, publications and versions.

Updated :

Does a well-formed identifier describe the right object?

An identifier needs its namespace and referent. ORCID identifies a person, ISSN a continuing resource, ISBN a publication edition and format; a DOI can identify different objects. An arithmetic check catches some copying errors, not identity.

  1. Preserve text

    Keep leading zeros, punctuation and the observed URL. Separate original and normalised values; avoid spreadsheet numeric conversion.

  2. Declare the type

    Check the namespace first. Do not merge local article identifiers, DOIs, PubMed records and author identifiers.

  3. Check transcription

    ORCID uses MOD 11-2, ISSN modulus 11, ISBN-13 weighted modulus 10. Check the result without automatically repairing the last character.

  4. Check assignment

    Open the reference registry or record and compare title, author, edition and version. Link distinct objects rather than removing different identifiers.

Local transcription check

Choose a type and paste one identifier per line. Values are processed in your browser; the tool does not send them to the server.

ORCID: 16 characters, optional hyphens, or orcid.org URL. ISSN: 8 characters. ISBN-13: 13 digits, spaces and hyphens accepted. A coherent check does not establish assignment or matching. When importing CSV into a spreadsheet, set identifier columns to text to preserve leading zeros.

Ready to check.

Situations and decisions

Typical situations for preparing a check. They do not describe completed assignments or actual observations.

Correct check, wrong edition

In a fictional case, two coherent ISBN-13s describe two book formats. A shared title does not establish removable duplicates.

One name, several authors

An illustrative list links one surname to two ORCIDs. Syntax cannot decide identity; read documented publications and affiliations.

Record to retain

  • Original identifier, type and normalisation
  • Registry or record consulted
  • Matched object and version
  • Check result and matching decision

Official references

Related source profiles

Related protocols

Checks before reaching a conclusion

  • Is the namespace explicit?
  • Are leading zeros retained?
  • Does the registry describe the object?
  • Are different versions linked?

A documented match separating correct transcription from verified identity.

Frequently asked questions

Does a correct check digit certify registration?

No. It checks arithmetic. Use the appropriate registry or record to verify assignment and correspondence.

Can trailing DOI punctuation be removed?

Not automatically: characters may belong to the suffix. Compare the source and resolver; retain the original before editing.

TOOLS / REGISTERS

Write a record

Open the reference registry or record and compare title, author, edition and version. Link distinct objects rather than removing different identifiers.

  • Access date and time zone
  • Exact URL
  • Entity identifier
  • Document identifier
  • Document type
  • Expected key and uniqueness
  • Version / revision
  • Observed status
  • Method / definition
  • Limit / uncertainty
  • Decision / next action
  • Review owner
  • Next review
Write an observationDownload CSV template