ARDC Handle Service

Creating references to your research objects that can be maintained, even if the location changes.
ARDC Handle Service

The Handle system is used to create persistent identifiers where a DOI is not appropriate or cannot be created. The ARDC Handle service is available cost-free for Australian organisations and individuals creating, using or curating publicly available research data.

Check the identifier tree to see if the ARDC Handle service is right for your needs.

How the ARDC Handle Services Works

The ARDC Handle service is a way to automatically assign globally unique citable identifiers, based on Handle technology, to your datasets, collections and papers.

It creates a clickable reference to your dataset that can be maintained, even if the location of the dataset changes. When people click on it, the ARDC service re-routes them to whatever location you nominate, and you can update that location at any time. This clickable or resolvable link is called a handle.

For more information about our criteria please read the Handle Service Policy Statement.

Ways of Using the Service

Manual Minting

The ARDC Handle service is a way to automatically assign globally unique citable identifiers, based on Handle technology, to your datasets, collections and papers.
It creates a clickable reference to your dataset that can be maintained, even if the location of the dataset changes. When people click on it, the ARDC service re-routes them to whatever location you nominate, and you can update that location at any time. This clickable or resolvable link is called a handle.
For more information about our criteria please read the Handle Service Policy Statement.

Bulk Minting

The Bulk minting tool for batch minting service is available to eligible institutions who have not implemented a machine to machine service. For bulk minting access, please contact us.
Important note: The ARDC does not manage the handles. It only provides the infrastructure to allow minting, resolution and updating of them. Processes and policies need to be put in place by those utilising the product to ensure that appropriate maintenance practices underpin persistence.

Machine to Machine (M2M)

This service has a software interface and is available for institutions for their registered research software or data archive software systems as part of their automated data creation or data archiving workflows. Visit the Handle Service Technical Documentation for instructions on how to use the m2m service and implement a Handle Service Client.
Tools available for reuse:
Handle client tool: developed by Griffith University
Handle client: A Java library developed by CSIRO.

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