Linking to Individual Articles in UST Subscription Databases:
Using Durable Links

Many of UST's subscription databases allow for direct links to an individual article, which can then be sent via email, posted on a web page, or placed on a course site in Blackboard.  This site explains how to create and use such links, and explains some issues to be aware of in using them.

Can't I just copy the web page address displayed in the browser when viewing an article?

In most cases, no.  Typically that address is good for the current "session" of database usage only, and will not work if used later or by other users.

What are durable article links?

Also known as "durable URLs," "durls," "permanent URLs", or "purls", these are links the database publisher provides that can be re-used.  In addition, in order for the links to work for off-campus user, they must include a coding string (ezproxy.stthomas.edu) to identify the user as part of UST.  Each database displays these links differently.  See our database-by-database list of instructions.

What do I do with the durable links once created?

Paste them into a course page in Blackboard, an email, a web page, or any other kind of document.  As long as your user has internet access and a valid UST username/password combination, they will be able to access the content.  Test all links you create from both on and off campus before directing users to them.  If you re-use content from a previous semester, check the links again before using them, as database content and technology change, which can result in broken links.

What about copyright and licensing restrictions?

Using durable links doesn't require copying the physical article (like photocopying or scanning), but rather creating a coded link to a search for a specific article in the subscription databases the UST community is licensed to use.  For more information, see the UST Copyright site.