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Technology: Making Sure Saved Links Work

The Trouble with Links

If you locate an item in the library databases and want to link to it later, don't try to save/copy the URL at the top of your browser. It might not be usable off-campus. It might not work at all.

The solution: Permalinks and the Proxy. 

What's a Permalink?

"A permalink or permanent link is a URL that is intended to remain unchanged for many years into the future, yielding a hyperlink that is less susceptible to link rot. Permalinks are often rendered simply, that is, as clean URLs, to be easier to type and remember".--Wikipedia

 

Every item in a database is assigned its own permalink that you can use to link back to it.

Look for Permalinks to Save

  • The link may be just above or below the citation information

  • Look for words like: DOI, Permanent link, Permalink, Stable, or Share 

  • The link may even be inside another function, such as Save, Print, Export, Citation

  • Look for a link symbol  

 

Example of a permalink

What's NOT a Permalink?

If you see a very long string of alphanumeric characters in the URL, that's a sign this link will expire when you close the browser.

https://web.b.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail/vid=4&sid=a1576985-ac04-47b3-943a-6d34b001c23%40...bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#AN=

 

What's a Proxy?

A proxy address makes sure you have current Stockton credentials before allowing access to content. To do this, a special prefix has to appear at the beginning of the resource link:

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

Note: The proxy is not necessary for Open Access content.

How to Add a Proxy Link

If you saved an article link on campus, and now it doesn't allow access, add the proxy prefix to the front of the URL. It should force authentication with the Stockton Go Portal. 

URL Example

  • Without proxy: https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/stocktonnj-ebooks/detail.action?docID=1773775
  • With proxy added: https://login.ezproxy.stockton.edu/login?url=https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/stocktonnj-ebooks/detail.action?docID=1773775

DOI Example

  • Without proxy: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.nurpra.2015.11.004
  • With proxy added: https://login.ezproxy.stockton.edu/login?url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.nurpra.2015.11.004

(Insert http://dx.doi.org/ in front of the DOI number, if it's not already there.)

Help! Still Confused!

If you need assistance working with library links, feel free to contact us!