LIBIDs

LIBIDs, short for library identifiers, are unique identifiers used to reference library resources across information systems. They are employed to identify items such as bibliographic records, digital assets, and institutional assets in catalogs, repositories, and discovery layers. The goal of LIBIDs is to provide a stable, unambiguous reference that remains usable even as metadata or locations change.

LIBIDs serve several purposes. They enable precise linking between records in different systems, support resource discovery and cross-library data exchange, and facilitate processes such as interlibrary loan, rights management, and digital preservation. Because library collections often span multiple platforms, LIBIDs help maintain referential integrity when records are merged, migrated, or aggregated.

Structure and governance of LIBIDs vary by institution. An LIBID may take the form of a URI, a UUID, or a compact code with a prefix indicating the holding institution. In practice, many libraries assign LIBIDs locally and map them to external identifiers such as DOIs, ARKs, or URNs when needed. Proper lifecycle management is important: LIBIDs are typically persistent, with clear policies for deprecation, versioning, and record merges to minimize link rot and data loss.

Interoperability is a key consideration. LIBIDs are commonly used alongside metadata standards like MARC, BIBFRAME, and Dublin Core, and are often aligned with persistent identifier ecosystems. They enable effective data integration, metadata harvesting, and linked-data applications, while remaining flexible to accommodate evolving library workflows.

See also: DOIs, URIs, ARKs, UUIDs, library metadata standards.