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.

Can I link to a whole journal rather than an article?

You may or may not be able to do this.  Capabilities and methods to do this vary by database vendor.  Once you've selected a journal you'd like to link to, figure out which database contains it, and in that database, try to find a Publications or Publications Information page, and see if that page contains a permanent URL to which you can link.  Selected Ebscohost, Gale, and Proquest databases, for example, provide this capability. If a permanent URL to the journal level is not clearly displayed on the publication page, try checking the instructions linked above for your database--those instructions are written to address linking to specific articles rather than entire journals, but you might find clues to linking to the journal here as well. 

Can I link to an e-book?

You may link to the entire e-book provided UST has access (there are several e-books listed in CLICnet that are owned by other libraries).  When you find an e-book in CLICnet, click on the title of the book so you're looking at the book record.  There is a link to access the e-book (sometimes it says St. Thomas Access, sometimes it says View Electronic Book).  Right-click on that link to save the URL.  Paste it into Blackboard or elsewhere. Please note that some e-books require you to login or register. 

Isn't there an easier way?

Increasingly subscription databases are adding DOIs, or digital object identifiers.  DOIs are unique codes applied to digital content, in many cases articles, that guatantees access to that content throughout it's digital lifetime.  See instructions for creating DURLs with DOIs.