This paper provides insights into the concepts underlying
the OpenURL framework for open reference linking in the web-based scholarly
information environment. The discussion starts by briefly reiterating
the problems with reference linking that were initially described and
later addressed as part of the SFX research. Some notions crucial to the
understanding of the issues at stake are briefly described: extended service-links,
closed and non-context-sensitive linking, open and context-sensitive linking.
Then, the paper details the OpenURL framework and reports on its current
deployment in the scholarly information environment. As an illustration
of the penetration of the OpenURL framework, special attention is accorded
to a prototype in which the OpenURL framework is integrated with the DOI/CrossRef
linking solution.
