Improving OpenURL Linking

Ever since OpenURL linking was introduced in 2000 by Herbert van de Sompel the link resolver has played an important role in providing users with access to the online resources they have rights to. From the start, one of the criticisms of OpenURL linking has been that it is not 100% successful—sometimes the user is presented with a link to full text, but that link fails. In 2010 a new National Information Standards Organization (NISO) workgroup was created to tackle the issue of OpenURL quality. This column will discuss this NISO initiative and look in detail at the proposed “Completeness Index” that promises a means of measuring the quality of OpenURLs being submitted by various content providers. The article will also discuss how some OpenURL quality issues may be more perception than reality and how librarians can configure their links and link resolvers to overcome these negative perceptions.     

OpenURL and SFX Linking

Abstract

It is only a few short years since the early academic research led by Herbert Van de Sompel at Ghent University in Belgium that resulted in the formulation of the OpenURL standard and the development of the SFX link server. These complementary components have revolutionized linking for libraries, putting control for linking in the hands of the librarian.

This paper considers briefly the early linking initiatives, explains the purpose and structure of the OpenURL and the role of linking components-the sources, targets, and the link server, with a focus on the SFX link server.     

OpenURL技术发展及创新应用研究

介绍了实现上下文相关链接的动态链接技术OpenURL,研究了OpenURL应用最广泛的主要技术特征。OpenURL v.1.0解决了内容的局限性,将超出学术信息领域的可扩展的机制引入v.1.0,使更多的格式,更多的描述,更多的方法用于描述和编码数据,推广了OpenURL在学术领域和超出学术的信息领域的应用。     

基于OpenURL的开放链接服务之原型研究

分析了传统链接的一些缺陷，参考了OpenURL1.0的框架，对开放链接服务进行了研究和分析，提出了一个基于OpenURL1.0的开放链接服务原型的实现方案。该方案可以应用于数字图书馆的数字资源整合。     

The KBART’s Potential beyond OpenURL Linking

Knowledge Base and Related Tools (KBART), initially founded with a focus on improving OpenURL linking through the definition of best practices for exchanging title-level metadata, continues to gain traction and has the potential to be an initiative that improves not only link resolver quality but also improves discovery services, electronic resource management (ERM) systems, and even Counting Online Usage of Networked Electronic Resources (COUNTER) usage reports. In this column we quickly review the history of KBART from its inception in 2007 through the creation of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 best practices. Then we investigate how KBART can positively influence the quality of discovery services, ERM systems, and COUNTER. Finally, we put forward some suggestions on how KBART can become the key to standardizing the exchange of holdings data within the information supply chain to address needs beyond link resolvers and eliminate some redundant holdings maintenance tasks in libraries.     

合适的链接 最佳的服务——SFX与CrossRef/DOI交互作用探讨

介绍基于OpenURL的SFX Context Sensitive Linking和基于DOI的CrossRef这两种目前主流的动态链接系统。指出SFX具有本地化、互操作性强和可定制的特点，能够针对用户对资源的可获得性给出合适的链接；CrossRef链接直接指向出版社文献信息网页，链接准确稳定，但不适合用户获取最终文献。讨论CrossRef链接存在的问题，分析SFX的特点，并在此基础上提出将SFX与CrossRef/DOI结合使用的方法，指出这将增强和完善SFX的链接功能，同时解决CrossRef/DOI合适链接的问题。     

Knowledge bases: improving the information supply chain

In early 2006, information industry association UKSG commissioned a research report ‘to identify the new relationships and information exchange requirements … [necessary] to maximize the benefit of OpenURL linking'. Central to the efficient operation of the OpenURL is the knowledge base, which consists of data supplied by content providers including publishers. The report found that a lack of awareness on the part of many publishers of the OpenURL's capabilities and requirements is impacting the quality and timeliness of the data they provide to populate knowledge bases, and thus undermining the potential of this sophisticated technology. A programme of education and advocacy, particularly among smaller publishers, will be key to improving the efficacy with which OpenURL is currently implemented. The study's findings and suggestions will be taken forward by the KBART (Knowledge Bases And Related Tools) working group co‐chaired by UKSG and NISO; this article reviews the initial report and summarizes the planned remit and expected outcomes of the working group.     

基于分布式知识库的开放服务链接系统设计与实现

OpenURL框架提供了新的描述资源的途径.OpenURL链接解析器使资源与服务无缝集成.当前支持解析器工作的后台知识库都是集中式的,或者委托第三方代理管理与维护.本文首先简要介绍开放链接标准、开放链接系统提供的扩展服务形式、知识库的总体结构,然后详细阐述链接解析器的工作流程及开放链接系统架构,并开发出开放链接服务系统原型.在分析开放、分布式环境下链接解析器工作原理的基础上,提出并实现了分布式知识库的构建与维护.最后给出了实例说明.     

OpenURL技术的应用现状及趋势浅析

在简述OpenURL相关概念及其总体框架的基础上,对国内外主流的一些链接服务软件系统进行总结。然后,阐述利用OpenURL技术进行信息资源整合、提供上下文敏感的链接服务、以COinS及OpenURL Referrer的方式提供独特创新服务以及拓展应用。接着,针对OpenURL应用中出现的一些问题进行了分析,并介绍国内外的相关研究进展。最后,探讨OpenURL技术的应用和研究趋势。     

高校数字图书馆区域集群系统的构建

为了促使区域数字图书馆的发展,本文阐述了利用ISCSI技术,结合基于OpenURL的SFX开放链接系统,构建高校数字图书馆区域集群系统.     

Integrating Print Holdings into SFX

Abstract

Popular for their ability to provide full-text linking, OpenURL link servers, such as SFX, can also interface with online catalogs and interlibrary loan modules, giving library users the ability to locate articles in print or request items not owned by their local institution. This article examines four different approaches to integrating print holding information into SFX, detailing the advantages and drawbacks of each approach. The ultimate goal is to provide end-users with comprehensive, dynamic access to the full range of core library services, including online full-text, print materials, and interlibrary loan.     

Open access metadata: current practices and proposed solutions

Nearly every major publisher offers open access content of some sort, but open access metadata standards are non‐existent amongst content providers. Users, librarians, content providers, and technology vendors who offer OpenURL resolvers and discovery services all stand to benefit from standardized ways to indicate what content is open access and what is not. Additionally, all stakeholders would benefit from a standardized method by which one can ascertain what form of open access any content may be; indeed, there are many definitions of open access. There is ample evidence that every publisher handles their content metadata differently and this creates inefficiencies in the scholarly information supply chain and leads to user confusion. Many initiatives are currently working on solutions to these problems including the NISO KBART workgroup, NISO's Open Discovery Initiative, and NISO's very recently created Open Access Initiative. There are also pre‐existing concepts based on services, such as CrossRef's CrossMark service and discovery systems that hold promise with respect to open access content and metadata.     

Land of Linking

ABSTRACT

The electronic linking of scholarly materials has increasingly become both confusing and exciting. An understanding of the basics of linking technologies such as the OpenURL and the Digital Object Identifier (DOI) allows librarians to better serve their constituencies. Vendors also continue to offer linking alternatives to those libraries unable to purchase link resolvers, and a knowledge of these alternatives permits librarians to make informed decisions about a comprehensive and integrated linking plan for their libraries' electronic resources.     

A comparison of OpenURL link resolvers: The results of a University of Connecticut Libraries environmental scan

Open URL link resolvers are emerging technological tools designed to increase use of library collections by automating the process of locating and accessing library holdings. This study examines the system architecture and capabilities of commercially available OpenURL link resolvers to assess viable options for the University of Connecticut Libraries. Data for the study, largely experiential feedback received from libraries employing OpenURL link resolvers, were gathered through a series of evaluative activities. These included a preliminary literature review, Web survey, follow-up e-mail survey, and on-site visits to libraries. Results were analyzed within the context of the University of Connecticut Libraries' resources and needs. Analysis revealed wide variation in library experiences with and perception of product functionality and performance, as well as requisite staff and financial investments.     

SFX Statistical Reports: A Primer for Collection Assessment Librarians

SFX, an OpenURL link resolver, was implemented at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Library in late 2005. Data from the SFX statistical reporting package are providing yet another look at how library users navigate and utilize electronic resources. However, unlike other statistical reports, such as electronic use statistics provided by vendors, SFX data cover both successful and unsuccessful links, meaning that libraries can identify items patrons wanted, but which were not (for some reason) available. And while SFX cannot totally replicate use data from publishers (since it cannot track bookmarked links resulting from use outside the library's links), it can provide statistical use data in place of publishers who simply do not offer this service, which often includes smaller or more specialized publishers. SFX data also cover multiple databases and vendors, combining use and nonuse data in one statistical package. This paper provides an overview of the 20 established statistical reports available through the SFX statistics module. Suggestions are offered for how the data from these reports can be used to answer questions about how academic journal collections and their indexes are being used and what users need but are not finding.     

The ARIEL Document Delivery System: A Cost-Effective Alternative to the Fax

ABSTRACT

ARIEL is a high-speed, high-quality, cost-effective document delivery system that runs on the Internet. Journal articles can be sent from one place to another by scanning the article directly from the journal. The text and graphics are digitized into the computer, transmitted over the Internet, and printed on a laser printer at the receiving end. Developed in 1990 by the Research Libraries Group of the Research Libraries Information Network, ARIEL is becoming the document delivery system of choice for a rapidly growing number of users in the U.S. and abroad. The key advantages which ARIEL has over the fax are: (1) no long-distance phone charges; (2) high image resolution; (3) original source can be scanned; (4) can send and receive documents at the same time; (5) does not require dedicated equipment; and (6) documents can be stored and forwarded at a later time. In the very near future, ARIEL software will incorporate MIME (Multi-purpose Internet Mail Extensions) technology which will enable documents to be transmitted to the screen via e-mail from one individual to another. This paper describes the hardware and software requirements, the cost of getting started, and one library's experience, as part of a pilot project, with the ARIEL document delivery system.     

电子文献正文引文跨越学术领域的链接

摘要CrossRef是应电子文献在因特网中信息互相链接之功能,提供信息使用者直接在网络中查寻得到最终及正确的信息而产生的规范。文章介绍了CrossRef的发展及功能,论述了CrossRef对于用户、出版商、图书馆和其他信息服务机构的影响及其应采取的措施,提出中文文献尽快采用DOI技术,加入CrossRef,利用OpenURL和SFX,实现本地馆藏链接,有效地保护著作权。     

开源软件OpenResolver的功能与源码分析

在对比开放链接与传统参考链接的基础上，通过分析软件功能与源码，展示一个最基本的用户背景敏感的开放链接解决方案，并就如何修改该软件以应用于实践提出建议。     

The citation impact of the Open Access accounting journals that appear on Beall's List of potentially predatory publishers and journals

Although there are at least six dimensions of journal quality, Beall's List identifies predatory Open Access journals based almost entirely on their adherence to procedural norms. The journals identified as predatory by one standard may be regarded as legitimate by other standards. This study examines the scholarly impact of the 58 accounting journals on Beall's List, calculating citations per article and estimating CiteScore percentile using Google Scholar data for more than 13,000 articles published from 2015 through 2018. Most Beall's List accounting journals have only modest citation impact, with an average estimated CiteScore in the 11th percentile among Scopus accounting journals. Some have a substantially greater impact, however. Six journals have estimated CiteScores at or above the 25th percentile, and two have scores at or above the 30th percentile. Moreover, there is considerable variation in citation impact among the articles within each journal, and high-impact articles (cited up to several hundred times) have appeared even in some of the Beall's List accounting journals with low citation rates. Further research is needed to determine how well the citing journals are integrated into the disciplinary citation network—whether the citing journals are themselves reputable or not.     

Citation Wars

Summary

During the 1990s a sometimes bitter controversy in legal circles has raged concerning what has become known as “citation reform.” Major proponents of reform include small legal publishers, the American Bar Association, and the American Association of Law Libraries (AALL). Major opponents include the West Group and a number of federal judges and court clerks. Proponents argue for a universal, public domain, vendor neutral, medium neutral citation system (short title: universal citation) based on two premises: (1) a change is necessary to break the West Group's virtual monopoly on its own citation system, which the courts have up to now declared worthy of copyright protection; and (2) the proposed system is objectively superior to West's version. Because West's citation system is used extensively by the courts, its monopoly status keeps the cost of legal research artificially high at a time when inexpensive technologies like the Internet and CD-ROMs are increasingly making it possible to lower the cost of access to case law. In addition, compared to the West system, a public domain, vendor neutral system is simpler, is permanent when the case is first issued, is uniform for all jurisdictions, covers all formats, print and electronic, and is easier to understand. This article explores the issues surrounding the controversy, discusses the pros and cons of both systems, and analyzes current copyright cases that are likely to determine the outcome of the argument.