I modified it into  which is an add-on to the current solution, merging the hovering text description and the complicated note version with cref. However, references for literature are a bit more tricky and I would likely need your help. Is there a possibility to integrate running numbers?
My idea was so far to create a three-step version that links through but isn't a disturbingly new layout, although it should be easier to type if you view the source.  that shows a running number and the [shortcut name for source + optional info] as hovering description. Clicking on the template takes you to a second template containing the references in detail that is constructed similar to 

It shows the running number, the shortcut name for the source and the optional material if such is defined.
The trick with the code is that it can link from several notes to the third template which contains the more specific info on the source such as date, ISBN, etc.

trick is, we maintain our printable reference system, but improve the linking through. I have been thinking about different versions with two steps for example, but the problem is you can use them very difficult in a printed version. using as short as possible templates instead of the usual refs makes it easier to distinguish in the text.