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 Linking to Online Library Materials: The Basics

 

1. Copy the following:  

https://ezproxy.hamline.edu/login?url=

The code above is what routes the subsequent URL (web address) through Bush Library's Off-Campus Access Server.

 

2. Paste the code above into the destination (e.g. Insert Link to Website URL in the Canvas editor).

3. Paste the article's stable URL (web address) immediately following the above. 

Some databases (library online resource collections of books and/or articles, videos, etc.) called this a "Permanent URL", "Permanent Link", "Permalink", or "Document URL" since these URLs are systematically maintained and should not change.

Best practices:

  • Do not put this prefix code in front of permalinks that you get from CLICsearch records.  
  • Ensure there's no space between the equal sign and the subsequent "http" or "https".
  • Use permanent links or stable URLs whenever possible rather than simply copying the URL from the browser address bar.
  • Test the link to ensure it will function correctly for your users. 
  •  It may help to conduct this copy and paste procedure in NotePad, TextEdit or some other simple text editor before finally pasting the whole URL into its final location. 

 

Completed Example:
https://ezproxy.hamline.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=38028644&site=ehost-live

 

Another Completed Example:
https://ezproxy.hamline.edu/login?url=https://ezproxy.hamline.edu/login?url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctt1wf4dnx.7

 

Why do this?

Linking, using the above, benefits students and faculty. Linking does not require copyright permission plus Bush Library can get better statistics on what information resources are being utilized.  Bush Library pays license fees for this content. Copying and distributing the content (as in directly uploading a PDF), whether in print or online, does require copyright permission and it may cost more.  Putting a copy on Reserve at the Library requires permission, but linking does not. Linking also reduces maintenance for faculty because the library systems take care of any changes that happen to the links in the future, thus avoiding confusion and saving time.