IS Portal

Library and Information Science

Persistent Identifier Quiz

Persistent Identifier Quiz

1. What is the main purpose of a Persistent Identifier (PID)?

  • a) To store web pages
  • b) To provide a lasting reference to digital objects
  • c) To encrypt files
  • d) To track website traffic
Correct Answer: b) To provide a lasting reference to digital objects
A Persistent Identifier ensures that digital content can be accessed reliably and remains stable over time, even if its location changes, preventing issues like link rot.

2. Which of the following is an example of a Persistent Identifier?

  • a) URL
  • b) ISBN
  • c) Email address
  • d) Phone number
Correct Answer: b) ISBN
The ISBN (International Standard Book Number) uniquely identifies books and ensures consistent long-term access, unlike URLs which may become inactive over time.

3. Which term describes the process of web addresses becoming "dead" over time?

  • a) Link decay
  • b) Link rot
  • c) Link freeze
  • d) URL destruction
Correct Answer: b) Link rot
"Link rot" refers to the phenomenon of web addresses becoming inactive or "dead" over time, which is why persistent identifiers are so important for long-term access.

4. What does the "persistence" of a Persistent Identifier depend on?

  • a) The technology used
  • b) The service that resolves it
  • c) The content of the object
  • d) The size of the file
Correct Answer: b) The service that resolves it
The persistence of a Persistent Identifier relies on the commitment of the service that resolves the identifier, ensuring long-term access to the digital resource.

5. Which of the following is NOT a type of Persistent Identifier?

  • a) DOI
  • b) ISBN
  • c) HTTP URL
  • d) ORCID
Correct Answer: c) HTTP URL
HTTP URLs are not persistent by nature, as they can become inactive over time. Unlike persistent identifiers like DOI, ISBN, and ORCID, URLs can lead to link rot.

6. What is the main function of services like Internet Archive, perma.cc, and WebCite?

  • a) Create new identifiers
  • b) Prevent link rot by archiving web pages
  • c) Store academic papers
  • d) Provide web traffic analysis
Correct Answer: b) Prevent link rot by archiving web pages
These services archive web pages to prevent link rot, ensuring that even if the original web page is removed or changed, users can still access the archived version.

7. Which of the following identifiers is primarily used in research and academia to identify authors?

  • a) ISBN
  • b) ORCID
  • c) ARK
  • d) DOI
Correct Answer: b) ORCID
ORCID (Open Researcher and Contributor ID) is widely used in academia to uniquely identify authors and researchers, avoiding name confusion and ensuring proper attribution.

8. How do persistent identifiers typically work in relation to web browsers?

  • a) They redirect to a search engine
  • b) They open the identified source directly
  • c) They require special software to access
  • d) They display metadata only
Correct Answer: b) They open the identified source directly
When a persistent identifier is used in a browser, it opens the source directly, allowing users to access the referenced content with minimal effort.

9. What is a permalink?

  • a) A type of temporary URL
  • b) A long-lasting URL maintained by a website owner
  • c) A software for archiving links
  • d) A reference tool for academic papers
Correct Answer: b) A long-lasting URL maintained by a website owner
Permalinks are long-lasting URLs that remain stable over time, even as website structures change. They are commonly used by website owners to ensure consistent access to content.

10. Which of the following identifiers is used in decentralized systems like BitTorrent?

  • a) Magnet link
  • b) ISBN
  • c) Handle System
  • d) XRIs
Correct Answer: a) Magnet link
Magnet links are used in decentralized systems like BitTorrent for sharing files through peer-to-peer networks. They are persistent, resilient to server changes, and allow ongoing access to content.