Show IllustrationFor optimal integration with library linking systems, information providers are implementing the OpenURL standard. OpenURL is a mechanism for transporting metadata and identifiers describing a publication for the purpose of context-sensitive linking through a local resolver.
A link resolver is a system for linking within an institutional context that can interpret incoming OpenURLs, take the local holdings and access privileges of that institution (usually a library) into account, and display links to appropriate resources. A link resolver allows the library to provide a range of library-configured links and services, including links to the full-text, a local catalogue to check print holdings, document delivery or ILL services, databases, search engines, and so.
Note: For more information on OpenURL, see http://library.caltech.edu/openurl.
DOI names point to the authoritative version of content on the publisher's web site and to publisher-designated resources. Yet for the user working in an institutional context, it is often useful to be directed to other resources. For example, the institution may not subscribe to the electronic journal itself but may still be able to offer the user access to the desired article through an aggregated database or through print holdings. In addition, the library may want to provide a range of linking options beyond what is available at the publisher's web site.
DOI and OpenURL are complementary technologies and work together in
several ways. The DOI directory itself is OpenURL-enabled so it can recognize
a user with access to an OpenURL link resolver. When such a user clicks
a DOI name, the CrossRef system redirects the DOI name back to the user's local
resolver and uses the DOI name to pull metadata out of the CrossRef database
to create the OpenURL targeting the local link resolver. Show Illustration
An OpenURL link that contains a DOI name is persistent in the same way a DOI name is. Publishers who use the CrossRef DOI system to identify their content, in effect, make their products OpenURL-aware.
Note: See Using the Open URL Resolver for details on using CrossRef's OpenURL Query Interface.
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