Archival Resource Keys (ARKs)

Archival Resource Keys (ARKs) are unique identifiers used to reliably and permanently connect users to digital and physical resources in archives, libraries, and repositories. They provide a standardized, persistent way to reference items such as documents, images, or collections, ensuring that even if the resource moves or changes location, the ARK URL remains a stable link. ARKs typically have a prefix identifying the institution and a suffix for the specific item, making them both efficient and flexible for managing long-term access and citation of digital assets.