Reference Linking

Adding persistent NOBLEID URLs to your reference lists for better discovery and durability.

What it is

Reference linking means adding a persistent NOBLEID URL for every item in your reference list so readers can click through to the current landing page for that work. Because the link is a persistent identifier, it remains stable even if the hosting URL changes.

Why it matters

Persistence

Links don't rot; the resolver always points to the right place.

Discovery

More (and better) links → better connections between records.

How to format links

Link to the version you cited (most precise):

https://nobleid.org/ark:/nobleid/20092025/7X9K2Q:v2

If you want to always send readers to the latest:

https://nobleid.org/ark:/nobleid/20092025/7X9K2Q
In your reference list (example)
Rossi A, Khan M. Sample Article. Journal of Examples. 2025;12(3):100–110. NOBLEID: https://nobleid.org/ark:/nobleid/20092025/7X9K2Q:v2
Best practice
  • Link all references (backfile and new items).
  • When a work also has a DOI, include both (we expose sameAs so indexes can reconcile).
  • Use our content-negotiation to output citations in CSL-JSON, BibTeX, or RIS on demand.
Tools

Copy-paste:

Just use the NOBLEID shown on each resolver page.

Programmatic:

Content-negotiation by Accept header (CSL-JSON, BibTeX, RIS). Example:

curl -LH "Accept: application/vnd.citationstyles.csl+json" "https://nobleid.org/ark:/nobleid/20092025/7X9K2Q:v2"

(pattern aligned with community practice)

FAQs

Is this only for journal articles?

No. Use it for datasets, software, grants—and books/chapters, reports, proceedings, etc. (see "What you can register" below).

Do I need to be a member?

No—NOBLEID is free to mint; reference linking is a recommended practice for everyone.