| Abstract: | 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. |
