Persistent URLs
When your item becomes a part of the eCommons repository it is assigned a persistent URL. This means that, unlike most URLs, this identifier will not have to be changed when the system migrates to new hardware, or when changes are made to the system. eCommons is committed to maintaining the integrity of this identifier so that you can safely use it to refer to your item when citing it in publications or other communications. Our persistent urls are registered with the Handle System, a comprehensive system for assigning, managing, and resolving persistent identifiers, known as "handles," for digital objects and other resources on the Internet. The Handle System is administered by the Corporation for National Research Initiatives (CNRI), which undertakes, fosters, and promotes research in the public interest.
When linking to items in eCommons, always use the handle (displayed on the item page) and not the URL displayed in the navigation bar of your web browser, the URL that links directly to a file, or any other link that doesn't begin with "hdl.handle.net."
Upon request, eCommons staff will also assign a Digital Object Identifier (DOI) to a submission. The DOI will appear with the handle as a "Permanent Link" for the item. eCommons DOIs are registered through DataCite, which provides an additional layer of discovery through their metadata registry and search tool. You might want to request a DOI:
You should not request a DOI:
To request a DOI, please contact us.
If you need to have a handle or DOI in advance of uploading your content to eCommons, please contact us.