What Makes a Dataset Citable? Before assigning a DOI to a dataset, certain criteria must be met, namely that the cited dataset has to be: Stable: not subject to modificaton. Complete: not subject to updates. Permanent: by assigning a DOI, data centres are committing themselves to making the dataset available for the foreseeable future. Of good (technical) quality: by assigning a DOI, data centres are giving it a ‘stamp of approval’, stating it is complete with all metadata made available.