Faculty Library Tools

What are permalinks?

Permalinks are static or permanent web addresses (URLs) which point to a specific item such as an article or e-book.

Why can't I just copy the link in the address bar?

If you copy an article or database URL directly from the browser's address bar,  it will typically not work from off campus and many times will no longer work once the browser is closed.

Example from Anatomy TV

Do not copy the address bar URL. Instead, Anatomy TV provides a share icon.

How do I find permalinks?

Databases may provide icons or hyperlinks that will take you to a permalink. Look for words or phrases such as bookmarks, document URL, share, etc. We've provided a few examples from some of our more popular databases below. If you can't find a permalink, please ask!

In this example from Anatomy TV, click the share icon to get a permalink.
HOWEVER, you are not done yet!

Do permalinks automatically work from off campus?

Sometimes! Many databases already include information in the URL that will prompt users to log in when trying to access database materials from off campus. If that information (called the proxy URL) is not included, you can easily add it. If you're not comfortable with that, we can help!

What is the library's proxy URL?  https://libpro.pittcc.edu/login?url=

All you have to do is copy the proxy URL and paste it at the beginning of the permalink. There should not be a space between the proxy URL and the permalink. Again, some databases will already include the proxy URL at the beginning of the permalink, but if not, just copy and paste it to the beginning and you should be good to go.

Example of a link that includes the proxy URL:

https://libpro.pittcc.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=451870&site=ehost-live

1. From the results list, click the title of the book.
2. Click Share Link to Book.
3. A new window will open with the permalink.
4. Add the proxy URL to the beginning of the permalink provided: https://libpro.pittcc.edu/login?url=
5. Example: https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/pittcc-ebooks/detail.action?docID=4800242
6. https://libpro.pittcc.edu/login?url=https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/pittcc-ebooks/detail.action?docID=4800242

1. From the results list, click the title of the article.
2. Click Permalink.
3. Copy the permalink that appears at the top.
4. Make sure you copy the entire link.
5. The proxy URL should already be included.
6. Example: https://libpro.pittcc.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=84548560&site=ehost-live

1. Click Share, then choose Embed/Link.
2. If you just want to paste a link into your course so that students are taken to the database to watch the video, copy the Record URL.
3. If you want to embed the video into your course page, copy the Embed Code.
4. The proxy URL is already included.
5. Example: https://libpro.pittcc.edu/login?url=https://fod.infobase.com/PortalPlaylists.aspx?wID=14630&xtid=8860

From the results list click either the Abstract/Details link or the Details link provided under the information listed about the article.

Scroll to the end of the article and look for the Document URL. This is the link that should be used so that students can access the article from off-campus.

1. From a content page within STAT!Ref, click the permalink, or static link icon.
2. Copy the link provided in the pop-up box.
3. Add the proxy URL to the beginning of the permalink provided: https://libpro.pittcc.edu/login?url=
4. Link without proxy URL: http://online.statref.com/Home/Resolve?id=119176&grpalias=NCCS
5. Link with proxy URL: https://libpro.pittcc.edu/login?url=http://online.statref.com/Home/Resolve?id=119176&grpalias=NCCS

You can add links to databases in your Moodle course.

1. From the Online Databases page, click the Share icon to the right of the database link.
2. Copy and paste the URL that appears in the pop-up box.
3. The link provided is a friendly URL that is configured to access the proxy server. There is no need to add the proxy URL to these links.