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Basic Technical IVT

Link Resolver

noun

Pronunciation: /ˈlɪŋk rɪˈzɑːlvər/

A technology tool that identifies citations and creates dynamic links from bibliographic references to full-text content available through library subscriptions. Link resolvers enable seamless navigation between citations and actual resources while managing authentication and access rights.

Plain English

A tool that connects citations to full-text articles that the library has access to, handling login authentication automatically.

Etymology & History

Origin languageEnglish
Rootlink (connection) + resolve (to determine, solve)
First recorded use1990s
Usage frequencyUncommon

Usage

"The library's link resolver ensures that whenever researchers encounter a citation, they can immediately access the full text if the institution has subscription rights."

Style guide notes: Typically written as two words; capitalize when referring to a specific product name (e.g., SFX, Resolver).

Also known as

OpenURL resolver citation linker proxy resolver

Contrasted with

static link broken link

Related Terms

Frequently Asked Questions

How do link resolvers know which content a library has access to?

Link resolvers maintain knowledge bases containing information about library subscriptions, holdings, and access rights for electronic resources.

What is OpenURL and how does it relate to link resolvers?

OpenURL is a standardized protocol that encodes bibliographic metadata; link resolvers use OpenURL to identify resources and manage access.

Why Test Candidates on This?

Important for evaluating expertise in library systems integration and understanding how libraries optimize access to electronic resources.

Required skill level: Senior

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