FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is a Persistent Identifier (PID)?

A Persistent Identifier is a long-lasting digital reference to a resource. Unlike a normal URL, which may change or break over time, a PID remains stable and reliable for long-term access.

2. What is an ARK?

An ARK (Archival Resource Key) is a globally recognized type of PID designed to ensure that digital objects remain accessible and citable, even if their web addresses change.

3. Why should Nigerian universities and research institutions use ARKs?

  • To give permanence to research outputs and publications.

  • To increase visibility in global research infrastructures.

  • To comply with FAIR data principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable).

  • To strengthen trust and credibility of digital repositories.

4. Who manages ARKs in Nigeria?

NgREN (Nigerian Research and Education Network) operates the national ARK service, providing identifiers for its member universities and institutions.

5. How do institutions mint ARKs?

Authorized institutional staff can log in to the NgREN PID service (via the Django admin interface) to mint, bind, and update ARKs for their resources.

6. Can ARKs be updated if a resource moves?

Yes. If a digital resource is moved to a new URL or system, the ARK record can be updated without breaking existing citations or links.

7. Do ARKs cost money?

NgREN provides ARK identifiers as part of its services for Nigerian research and education institutions. Costs, if any, are managed at the institutional level under NgREN membership.

8. How are ARKs different from DOIs?

  • DOIs are commonly used for journal articles and managed by publishers.

  • ARKs are more flexible, cost-effective, and suitable for a wide variety of objects — including datasets, theses, multimedia, and internal institutional records.

  • Both are PIDs, but ARKs give institutions more local control.

9. Can ARKs be used internationally?

Yes. ARKs are part of a global PID ecosystem and are widely used by libraries, archives, and universities worldwide. ARKs minted via NgREN are fully resolvable globally.

10. How do I get started?

  • Join NgREN as a member institution.

  • Request ARK NAAN for your institution from ARK Alliance.

  • Train designated staff to use the NgREN PID minting platform.

  • Begin minting ARKs for your digital assets.

11. More about ARKs?

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Still have questions? Contact us and our support team will guide you through setting up ARKs for your institution.

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