Permalinks, sometimes called “persistent links,” are stable (permanent) URLs that connect users directly to full-text articles or resources. These links are essential for faculty who wish to share specific articles in the PLATO learning management system, course syllabi, or web pages, as they ensure students can easily access the content without needing to search for it themselves.

Why Permalinks Matter

Permalinks are crucial for accurate citations and allow students to provide correct URLs, enabling others to verify their work. Permalinks also help researchers retrace their steps and offer a reliable path for future researchers. Additionally, faculty may wish to provide a link to an article from within the PLATO learning management system, course syllabi, on a web page, etc. for students. Providing permalinks makes it easier for students to read relevant articles provided by faculty without searching the databases themselves, saving time and stress!

How to Identify a Permalink

Permalinks to resources accessed through Ely Library consist of two parts: the item’s address and Ely Library’s EZproxy prefix. The proxy prefix directs the address to the library’s EZproxy authentication server, allowing current students, faculty, and staff to access resources from off-campus.

Permalinks links are generated by the library’s website and its various databases. These links automatically include the current prefix and do not need to be altered.

Permalinks to digital resources from the library may not match the URL seen in the web browser's address bar. Instead, they are generated by the library’s database vendors. Each vendor has its own unique interface, and way of positioning the location of a permalink. Each vendor has its unique interface and method for displaying the permalink, typically alongside citation links or in Share menus.