A persistent link, also known as a durable link, stable link, or permalink, is a URL that connects more directly to a specific full-text article in a library database, an electronic journal subscription, or other electronic material.

Permalinks can be placed within Canvas, course web sites, syllabi and readings lists. They allow students to access articles by linking to the UW Bothell Library electronic subscriptions.

When students click on the link to the article or database, they will need to log in with their UW NetID and password.

Why should I use persistent links?

Why would you want to link to articles found in the UW Libraries rather than copying them directly into Canvas?

Copyright

Copyright is one reason. You can link to an article in a database or e-journal and remain copyright compliant, but you cannot always copy an article and upload it to Canvas without permission. Failure to follow copyright law can result in fines for the department and for the University.

You can read more about UW Copyright Policies on the website.

Tracking Usage

Another good reason is that if you link to an article, the database keeps track of how often it is being used. The librarians use this information when making decisions about journal or database cuts. Let them know the journal is important to you!

Alternate Formats

Many databases offer the articles in HTML format and as audio files. This gives students options to select the best format for them.

How do I find a permalink to an item?

Many databases have an option for a persistent link. In most cases it is just a matter of copying the link and pasting it into Canvas.

Generally, you can use the Library search to locate a resource and in the record of the item, select the Permalink icon to open the box that contains the URL. Select the COPY THE PERMALINK TO CLIPBOARD to get the link ready to be pasted onto your course materials, documentation, or website.

Online library article record showing the premalink icon selected and the box below with the permanent link information

The permalink looks like this:

https://alliance-primo.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/f/lvbsh/TN_proquest226925571

If you just copy the URL at the top of the browser screen, your students may not have access because the URL does not always include the proxy information. It depends on the database, the session and who is logged in.

Always test your links from on-campus and off-campus and remember to put URLs behind the name of the resource, making it descriptive.