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What are Permalinks?

permalink is a web address that will consistently point to a specific information source such as an ebook, an article, a record in the catalog, a video, or a database.

permalink may also be called a stable link, durable link, persistent link, permanent link or document link, depending on the resource.

Why can't I just copy the URL in my browser's address bar?
Web addresses (URLs) that appear in the address bar of your web browser when you search the library's subscription databases usually contain dynamically generated session-based or search-based information that will not work when copied and used at a later time.

Finding a permalink: 

  • From the Library website, right-click on any resource and select Copy link address
  • Most research databases include a permalink in the article record.  The terms used and the location of these links in the record vary from one database to another.   Example: Ebsco - click on an article and the permalinks (chainlink icon) are located in the Tools menu (right side of the page)

How do I know if a permalink will work offsite?
When on site, access is transparent -- you are being authenticated even if you don't realize it because we recognize the IP address.  When offsite, authentication via a proxy server, allows us to recognize and authenticate SHA Library users.  In order for the library's electronic resources paid subscriptions (ebooks, journals) to work from offsite, they must contain the library's proxy in the URL or web address.  This in turn will open a dialog box prompting the user to enter a library barcode.

Emails and Permalinks:

It's essential that you always include the library proxy with a permalink because an email may be shared or read offsite.

What does the Library Proxy look like?

It looks like this - https://shal.idm.oclc.org/login?url= 

It is usually in front of a URL. 

Here's an example:  https://shal.idm.oclc.org/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?authtype=ip,uid&custid=ns269417&profile=dmp&groupid=main 

 

Saving and Sharing Links