How do I check whether a supplementary dataset is archived and citable via DataCite?

Query the DataCite REST API for the dataset DOI, then read the repository, resource type, and state fields to confirm archival status before citing it in your data availability statement.

DataCite's REST API exposes DOI metadata and supports queries and filters for works, repositories, providers, clients, and related entities. That means you can retrieve the record for a specific DOI and inspect the fields that describe where the dataset lives and what kind of object it is.

1. Look up the DOI in the DataCite REST API and retrieve its metadata record. The expected result is a record tied to that DOI; if no record returns, the DOI is not registered with DataCite and you need another route to confirm the dataset's status.
2. Read the repository field to identify the hosting repository. The expected result is a named repository you can check for its preservation and access terms.
3. Read the resource type field to confirm the record describes a dataset. The expected result is a type consistent with a dataset; a mismatch means the DOI may point to another object such as an article or software package.
4. Read the state field to see the record's registration state. The expected result is a state that indicates the record is findable; a state showing the record is not yet registered means the DOI is not ready to cite.
5. Confirm archival status from the repository's own preservation and access information, then cite the dataset in your data availability statement using the journal's reference style.

For the citation itself, Citing Medicine provides structured examples and rules for citing datasets and other publication types, and the ICMJE Recommendations advise verifying references against original sources and following journal reference style. Match the dataset citation to the style your target journal requires, and keep the DOI in the reference so readers can resolve it.

If the DataCite record is missing or its fields conflict with what the repository page shows, treat the archival status as unresolved and confirm it with the repository before you cite the dataset.