Do USGS scientific software information products require a Digital Object Identifier (DOI)? [139]

Yes. USGS scientific software information products must be assigned a DOI with the 10.5066 prefix. 

Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs) can be obtained through the USGS Asset Identifier Service. It is important to ensure the DOI metadata appropriately describe the USGS scientific software information product. The DOI should use the “Software” resource type, or another appropriate available alternative. 

 The DOI should resolve to a landing page unique to the static version of the software associated with the product. This landing page must be hosted on an approved USGS platform. While the USGS scientific software information product does not change after release, the landing page should be subsequently editable. The landing page may include release notes, announcements, and/or errata and may be modified prior – or subsequent – to the publication of the information product. For example, the current USGS-approved version control platforms have release pages (such as GitLab Releases and GitHub Releases) that are suitable for use as landing pages for software hosted within the respective platform to which a DOI may resolve.