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Linking to Articles and Creating Permalinks

Database Linking

Each database vendor sets up their own linking system, which may be labeled in various ways. You may be able to copy and paste the link from the URL bar, or you may need to create a permalink. See the particular vendor tab for how to access links in those databases.

Once you have created a permalink or copied and pasted a link from the URL bar, remember to test it from both on-campus and off-campus.

What is a Permalink?

Permalinks allow users to retrieve specific information by clicking on a persistent URL.  This allows users to link directly to information found in the library databases, such as articles from newspapers, magazines or journals.  A permalink or persistent URL does not change.

Permalinks are also called:

  • persistent identifier
  • stable link
  • durable link
  • permanent link

What happens when you use a URL link or permalink?

When you click on a URL link or permalink from off-campus, you will be routed through Regis's Office 365 single sign-on process before you are granted access to the linked information (usually an article from a database). If you are already signed into a Regis application (i.e. email, SPIKE, etc.), this process will be seamless and the link should bring you directly to the article. If you are clicking the link from an off-campus device that is not signed into a Regis application, you will be prompted to sign in with your Regis credentials.

Warning about Full Text!

When you select an article for use in an online class, make sure the full text of the article is included!   Having a URL link or permalink does not mean that the full text is available; you can have a link to an abstract as well.