If you have any questions regarding creating persistent links to library resources, please contact the Reference Desk: (417) 873-7337 or by email at refdesk@drury.edu
Each database works a bit differently, with the information for the persistent link located in a different location every time. Some databases provide the persistent link directly in the article. Some links must be "bookmarked", including Gale databases. Many databases allow you to see or export the persistent link, such as JSTOR. Be sure to add the proxy URL if it is not already there.
Some resources require a more complicated approach to creating persistent links. Typically, these are scientific or medical resources, but exceptions may exist. An example is the American Chemical Society. These resources use what is called a DOI (Digital Object Identifier).
A persistent link is a permanent link designed to facilitate access to an online article, database, or saved search. These links can be used in course management software (Moodle), on websites, or delivered via email. It is also possible to generate links that allow viewers to access electronic resources from off-campus when the link is structured properly.
The following proxy URL must be added at the beginning of all links so that the links will work off campus:
https://drury.idm.oclc.org/login?url=
Step-by-Step: How to create links to articles in a Library databases.
1. Make sure there is a stable or persistent URL for the article you have found. If you want more information on how to check the list of databases and locate the persistent link in the article record, view this short video created by the Florida Gulf Coast University.
2. To work off campus the link MUST have the proxy URL in the front:
If the link does not show the proxy url, you must add it.
The converted URL now is your persistent link and can be copied, saved, or shared for later use.
What is a Digital Object Identifier (DOI)?
Digital Object Identifiers work with a common prefix, similar to a proxy URL: http://dx.doi.org/
A DOI is a unique, registered link that will not change over time. Some databases use Digital Object Identifiers (DOI) as a way to identify individual articles. DOI or doi, identifies where this number may be found on the citation record. Copy the DOI and paste it after the URL---http://dx.doi.org/ ---- to build a persistent link,(EX: http://dx.doi.org/10.1146/annurev.soc.30.012703.110510.)
The benefit of a DOI link is that it tends to be far shorter than links found in resources such as EBSCO databases and other similar electronic resources.
