Why persistent links?
Persistent links are important because when using library databases the URL that appears in your browser is often a temporary address that may not work after a period of time. It is therefore recommended that you use a stable URL or persistent link to any digital article or e-book.
Recommendation #1:
If your document is available through Sofia, it is recommended that you provide a stable link to the item directly through Sofia. Click on the Share button and copy the link provided. This link is a flexible, convenient, and reliable way to share electronic library material.
Recommendation #2:
If your document is not available through Sofia, you can create a persistent link that may be shared.
Steps to follow to create a stable URL or persistent link from resources found in one of the databases licensed by the Library which is accessible from off campus:
1. Consult the Library's License Information Database to find out if the database license allows for links to be posted on course management systems such as Moodle. If linking is allowed, follow the steps below.
2. Begin with the proxy prefix. In order for a link to materials in any of the Library's subscription databases to work from off-campus, your link must begin with the proxy prefix. This will allow authorized users (current Bishop's students, faculty and staff) to identify themselves and see the material, and will prevent unauthorized users (anyone else) from doing so. The proxy prefix for Bishop's University is https://proxy.ubishops.ca:2443/login?URL=
3. Find the article or book section you wish to link. Look for a stable URL or an image or a link to a stable URL, often called a permalink or document URL. Add the permalink or stable URL provided to the proxy prefix from step #2. For example, for an article from JSTOR, https://proxy.ubishops.ca:2443/login?URL=http://www.jstor.org/stable/29779547 or for a book section from Ebsco e-book Academic Collection https://proxy.ubishops.ca:2443/login?URL=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=1662517&site=ehost-live&ebv=EB&ppid=pp_134
4. If a permalink or stable URL is not available, often a DOI (Digital Object Identifier) will be provided instead. A DOI can be used to create a persistent link.
a. Find the article or book section in the database and locate the DOI.
b. Start with the proxy prefix given in step #2 (https://proxy.ubishops.ca:2443/login?URL=)
c. Add the DOI site if it is not already provided as part of the DOI (http://dx.doi.org/)
d. End the link with the DOI number from the article (10.1016/j.ecolind.2013.06.017)
DOI persistent link example: https://proxy.ubishops.ca:2443/login?URL=http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2013.06.017
If you are unable to find a stable URL or a DOI, you can provide the citation to the resource and let your students find the item themselves. If you provide the citation students shouldn't have any problems finding the document through the Sofia discovery tool.
Free online journals can be linked at the issue and article levels by copying and pasting the URL from the browser. Ensure any link you provide can be accessed from Moodle.
For help creating persistent links, please consult a Librarian. We will be happy to help you.
Office of the University Librarian
819-822-9600 x2280