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Course Author/LXD Orientation: Persistent URLs & Quick Help

Training guides and references for using library resources in NU courses.

OERCS

Taylor Perkins profile pictureTaylor Perkins
Assistant Director of OER & Curriculum Support


Katherine Lang profile pictureKatie Lang
OER & Curriculum Support

 

 


Anastacia McCloskey profile pictureAnastacia McCloskey
OER & Curriculum Support

 

 


Danielle Steinhart profile pictureDanielle Steinhart
OER & Curriculum Support

 


Hannah White profile pictureHannah White
OER & Curriculum Support

 

 


Not sure who to contact?  Use oer@nu.edu to reach all the OERCS experts!

Training Guides

Persistent Link FAQs

What is a persistent URL?

A persistent URL (PURL) is a durable link that connects users directly to an article, eBook, or other item in our Library.

Why should I be using them?

PURLs can be useful when creating syllabi, bibliographies, and other research tools. PURLs also help us remain in compliance with copyright rules when linking to Library resources. 

How do I capture persistent URLs?

Each Library database has a different process for capturing PURLs. This guide addresses the unique process for each database. 

What are some best practices if using PURLs?

Links are usually persistent but NOT necessarily permanent. PURLs may become obsolete over time, especially as our Library database subscriptions change year to year. Make sure to test links on a routine basis.
Copyright rules are no exception for PURLs. Make sure to cite the source when linking or downloading Library resources.
Not all database vendors offer PURLs. This guide covers all databases that offer PURLs.

Why isn't every database listed here?

Unfortunately, not every Library database supports persistent linking. The following databases currently do not support persistent linking: ETS Test Link, ReferenceUSA, Ulrichsweb, Web of Knowledge, Westlaw Campus Research. Please contact the OERCS Librarians (oer@nu.edu) directly for alternative solutions for course integration. 

The persistent URL is producing an error or I don’t know how to capture it.

If a PURL is producing an error or you are unsure how to capture it, please contact the Library at library@ncu.edu or 888-628-1569.

Persistent URLs by Database with OpenAthens

Accessing a Resource Permalink in NavigatorSearch and EBSCOhost Databases

ALWAYS LIMIT SEARCHES TO FULL TEXT FOR COMPLETE ACCESS TO THE RESOURCE!

If you see the PDF or HTML file, then you are ready to capture the permalink. Click on the result and select Permalink from the Tools menu on the right-hand side.

If you see Link to Full Text, View Full Text Online, See Full Text From, or anything other than PDF/HTML, you will need to click the resource link to access and capture the permalink from the referenced database. Use the subsequent tabs in this guide for steps on obtaining the permalink from a specific database.

Accessing a Resource Permalink in Alexander Street Press

Click Share. 

Then click Copy next to the Via permalink option. 

The permalink that is generated is unique to the institution and does not need the OpenAthens prefix.

 

Accessing a Resource Permalink in ACM Digital Library

Use the following steps to access and create a resource permalink for ACM Digital Library:

1. First, right-click and copy the DOI link found near the top of the resource page.

2. Next, enter the DOI link in the OpenAthens Redirector Link Generator to create an encoded access URL and permalink for NU users. Then, click Copy for the new resource permalink. Your link should look similar to this example:

https://go.openathens.net/redirector/ncu.edu?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdoi.org%2F10.1145%2F3374587.3374635

Accessing a Resource Permalink in Annual Reviews

Use the following steps to access and create a resource permalink for Annual Reviews:

1. First, copy the link found in the URL address bar.

2. Next, enter the link in the OpenAthens Redirector Link Generator to create an encoded access URL and permalink for NU users. Then, click Copy for the new resource permalink. Your link should look similar to this example:

https://go.openathens.net/redirector/nu.edu?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.annualreviews.org%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1146%2Fannurev-environ-110615-085634

Accessing a Resource Permalink in BioMed Central

Scroll down to the About this article section and copy the DOI link

 

Accessing a Resource Permalink in Cochrane Library

Use the following steps to access and create a resource permalink for Annual Reviews:

1. Right-click and copy the DOI link found near the top of the resource page.

 

2. Enter the DOI link in the OpenAthens Redirector Link Generator to create an encoded access URL and permalink for NU users. Then, click Copy for the new resource permalink. Your link should look similar to this example:

https://go.openathens.net/redirector/ncu.edu?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdoi.org%2F10.1002%2F14651858.CD010070.pub3

Accessing a Resource Permalink in CREDO Reference

Click on Page Link at the top of the resource page. Then, copy the link displayed.

 

Next, paste the link into the Open Athens Link generator: https://go.openathens.net/generate/nu.edu/72357138

Accessing a Resource Permalink in the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ)

Copy the DOI link found on the page. Double-check the link to ensure it connects you to the full-text article. 

Accessing a Resource Permalink in the Directory of Open Access Books (DOAB)

Copy the link in the URL field found on the resource's page. 

Directory of Open Access Books resource page displaying permalink

Accessing a Resource Permalink in Ebook Central

Click Share Link to Book and copy the link that appears in the pop-up window. 

Click on share link to book to copy a permalink in Ebook Central

Accessing a Resource Permalink in ERIC 

Right-click and copy the Download full text link. 

Resource record in ERIC displaying link to full text

Accessing a Resource Permalink in Films on Demand

Click the Share link directly below the video player. Then, select Embed/Link and copy the Record URL

Films on Demand resource page with Share icon highlighted to obtain permalink to a resource

Films on Demand embed/link window

Accessing a Resource Permalink in Gale

Use the following steps to access and create a resource permalink for Gale:

1. First, click the Get Link option in the right-hand corner of the page and copy the link.

2. Next, you MUST edit the link provided by removing the &xid=***** value from the link prior to posting. Posting an incorrectly formatted link can be in violation of our licensing agreement.

INCORRECT: https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A418467179/AONE?u=nu_main&sid=bookmark-AONE&xid=09703031

CORRECT WITHOUT THE &xid=***** value: https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A418467179/AONE?u=nu_main&sid=bookmark-AONE 

Accessing a Resource Permalink in HeinOnline

Use the following steps to access and create a resource permalink for HeinOnline:

1. Click on the chain-link icon near the top of the page. Chain link icon in HeinOnline to obtain a permalink

2. Next, copy the HeinOnline link provided and enter the link in the OpenAthens Redirector Link Generator to create an encoded access URL and permalink for NU users. Then, click Copy for the new resource permalink. Your link should look similar to this example:

https://go.openathens.net/redirector/nu.edu?url=https%3A%2F%2Fheinonline.org%2FHOL%2FP%3Fh%3Dhein.journals%2Fukalr12%26i%3D521

HeinOnline Copied resource link 

down arrow

Accessing a Resource Permalink in Homeland Security Digital Security

Use the following steps to access and create a resource permalink for Homeland Security Digital Library:

1. Copy the link in the URL field.

2. Next, enter the URL in the OpenAthens Redirector Link Generator to create an encoded access URL and permalink for NU users. Then, click Copy for the new resource permalink. Your link should look similar to this example:

https://go.openathens.net/redirector/ncu.edu?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hsdl.org%2Fc%2Fview%3Fdocid%3D794603

Accessing a Resource Permalink in IEEE Xplore Digital Library

Use the following steps to access and create a resource permalink for IEEE Xplore Digital Library:

1. First, copy the link found in the URL address bar.

2. Next, enter the link in the OpenAthens Redirector Link Generator to create an encoded access URL and permalink for NU users. Then, click Copy for the new resource permalink. Your link should look similar to this example:

https://go.openathens.net/redirector/ncu.edu?url=https%3A%2F%2Fieeexplore.ieee.org%2Fdocument%2F10094141

Accessing a Resource Permalink in IGI Global InfoSci

To link to an entire book or entire video, copy the link in the URL address bar. To link to a specific book chapter or video segment, right-click the title and copy the link for the specific section.

NOTE: When obtaining links from this database, users may be routed to the OpenAthens administration page where they must search National University under Find Your Institution. 

 

Accessing a Resource Permalink in JSTOR Open Access 

Copy the link in the Stable URL field. 

JSTOR Open Access resource landing page

Accessing a Resource Permalink in LearnTechLib

Copy the link found in the URL address bar.

Obtaining a permalink from LearnTechLib using the URL address

NOTE: When obtaining links from this database, users may be routed to the OpenAthens administration page where they must search National University under Find Your Institution. 

OpenAthens administration search page

 

Open Athens Find your instiution screen showing National University

After selecting National University, users must choose their institutional affiliation (select “1-1 Students for formerly NCU) and enter their school login credentials.

Open Athens screen showing the choice of how to sign in.

 

Accessing a Resource Permalink in MergentOnline

Copy the link found in the URL address bar.

Obtaining a permalink to a MergentOnline resource using the URL in the address bar

NOTE: When obtaining links from this database, users may be routed to the OpenAthens administration page where they must search Northcentral University under Find Your Institution. 

OpenAthens administration search page

Accessing a Resource Permalink in National Academies Press Free eBooks 

Scroll down to the Publication Info found towards the bottom of the resource page. Copy the DOI link found there.

NOTE: Users can freely read National Academies Press eBooks online. However, you must create a free account if you want to download the eBook in PDF format. 

 

Accessing a Resource Permalink in Nexis Uni

Click the Actions hyperlink found to the right of the resource title and click Link to this page from the drop-down that appears. Copy the resource permalink.NexisUni Link to Page option

NexisUni permalink

NOTE: When obtaining links from this database, users may be routed to the OpenAthens administration page where they must search Northcentral University under Find Your Institution. 

OpenAthens administration search page

Accessing a Resource Permalink in O'Reilly for Higher Education

  1. Open the document or video in O'Reilly. (You can also open books to specific chapters/sections, and create links to those chapters/sections.)
     
  2. Copy the URL out of your browser bar.

    Screenshot of OReilly for Higher Education database with the URL highlighted.
     
  3. Add https://go.oreilly.com/nationaluniversity/ to the beginning of the O'Reilly URL.

For example, if the title URL for Hands-On Large Language Models is https://learning.oreilly.com/library/view/hands-on-large-language/9781098150952/

Then, the permalink for the title is the main URL followed by the title URL:
https://go.oreilly.com/nationaluniversity/https://learning.oreilly.com/library/view/hands-on-large-language/9781098150952/

Accessing a Resource Permalink in Ovid

Use the following steps to access and create a resource permalink for Ovid:

1. First, click the Email Jumpstart link on the right-hand side of the page and copy the link that appears in the dropdown.

2. Next, enter the link in the OpenAthens Redirector Link Generator to create an encoded access URL and permalink for NU users. Then, click Copy for the new resource permalink. Your link should look similar to this example:

https://go.openathens.net/redirector/ncu.edu?url=https%3A%2F%2Fovidsp.ovid.com%2Fovidweb.cgi%3FT%3DJS%26CSC%3DY%26NEWS%3DN%26PAGE%3Dfulltext%26AN%3D00006205-200106000-00003%26LSLINK%3D80%26D%3Dovft

Accessing a Resource Permalink in Project Gutenberg

Project Gutenberg eBooks are in the public domain and may be freely read online or downloaded in a variety of formats. To link to all of the available download and format options, simply grab the URL in the address bar. 

Project Gutenberg resource landing page with link highlighted in browser

Accessing a Resource Permalink in ProQuest

From the resource page, navigate over to the Abstract/Details tab. Scroll down on the page and copy the link found in the Document URL field.

ProQuest resource record

Pulling a permalink in ProQuest Database

Accessing a Resource Permalink in Psychiatry Online

Use the following steps to access and create a resource permalink for Psychiatry Online:

1. First, right-click and copy the DOI link found near the top of the resource page.

2. Next, enter the DOI link in the OpenAthens Redirector Link Generator to create an encoded access URL and permalink for NU users. Then, click Copy for the new resource permalink. Your link should look similar to this example:

https://go.openathens.net/redirector/ncu.edu?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdoi.org%2F10.1176%2Fappi.books.9780890425787

Accessing a Resource Permalink in Psychotherapy.net

Copy the link in the URL address bar. 

Psychotherapy.net resource landing page with URL in address bar highlighted

NOTE: When obtaining links from this database, users may be routed to the OpenAthens administration page where they must search Northcentral University under Find Your Institution. 

OpenAthens administration search page

Accessing a Resource Permalink in SAGE Journals, SAGE Knowledge, and SAGE Research Methods

Use the following steps to access and create a resource permalink for SAGE Journals, SAGE Knowledge, and SAGE Research Methods:

1. First, copy the link found in the URL address bar.

Copying the link in the URL address bar for a SAGE resource

2. Next, enter the link in the OpenAthens Redirector Link Generator to create an encoded access URL and permalink for NU users. Then, click Copy for the new resource permalink. Your link should look similar to this example:

https://go.openathens.net/redirector/nu.edu?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmethods.sagepub.com%2Freference%2Fthe-sage-encyclopedia-of-educational-research-measurement-and-evaluation%2Fi15659.xml

Accessing a Resource Permalink in ScienceDirect

Use the following steps to access and create a resource permalink for ScienceDirect:

1. First, copy the URL found in the URL address bar. 

2. Next, enter the link in the OpenAthens Redirector Link Generator to create an encoded access URL and permalink for NU users. Then, click Copy for the new resource permalink. Your link should look similar to this example:

https://go.openathens.net/redirector/nu.edu?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sciencedirect.com%2Fscience%2Farticle%2Fpii%2FS0039606018302186

NOTE: When obtaining resources from this database, first-time users may be required to click Access through Your Institution where they must search for Northcentral UniversityAccess through Your Institution in ScienceDirect

Accessing a Resource Permalink in SpringerLink

Use the following steps to access and create a resource permalink for SpringerLink:

1. First, copy the link found in the URL address bar.

SpringerLink resource landing page with URL link in address bar highlighted

2. Next, enter the link in the OpenAthens Redirector Link Generator to create an encoded access URL and permalink for NU users. Then, click Copy for the new resource permalink. Your link should look similar to this example:

https://go.openathens.net/redirector/nu.edu?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.springer.com%2Farticle%2F10.1007%2Fs10880-015-9441-8

Accessing a Resource Permalink in Statista

Copy the link in the URL address bar. 

Obtaining permalink for a Statista resource using the URL link in the address bar

NOTE: When obtaining links from this database, users may be routed to the OpenAthens administration page where they must search Northcentral University under Find Your Institution. 

OpenAthens administration search page

Accessing a Resource Permalink in Taylor & Francis

Use the following steps to access and create a resource permalink for Taylor & Francis:

1. First, right-click and copy the DOI link found near the top of the resource page.

Taylro & Francis resource landing page with DOI link highlighted

2. Next, enter the DOI link in the OpenAthens Redirector Link Generator to create an encoded access URL and permalink for NU users. Then, click Copy for the new resource permalink. Your link should look similar to this example:

https://go.openathens.net/redirector/nu.edu?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdoi.org%2F10.1080%2F02607476.2020.1829965

Accessing a Resource Permalink in Wiley Online Library

Use the following steps to access and create a resource permalink for Wiley Online Library:

1. First, right-click and copy the DOI link found near the top of the resource page.

Wiley Online Library resource landing page with DOI link highlighted

2. Next, enter the DOI link in the OpenAthens Redirector Link Generator to create an encoded access URL and permalink for NU users. Then, click Copy for the new resource permalink. Your link should look similar to this example:

https://go.openathens.net/redirector/nu.edu?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdoi.org%2F10.1111%2Fpolp.12411

Bad Request Error when Accessing a Library Resource

A Bad Request error can be attributed to an improperly formatted link to a resource. The NU Library can assist with locating the resource and providing a properly formatted link to access it. If you have received this message in error, please contact the NU Library directly by calling 888-628-1569, by texting 928-550-6552, by emailing library@ncu.edu, or by chatting with us during live help hours.Bad Request error in OpenAthens due to Improperly Formatted link

eBook & Textbook Purchasing Policy

The following guide will address procedures for purchasing electronic textbooks (and all other eBooks) for the Library. 

The Library is committed to making copies of all required textbooks and course materials available to assist those students who are unable to purchase their own and to support our university's commitment to learning resources that are accessible from day one, exemplify excellence, engage learners, and are presented in the most effective and affordable means possible.

Despite the library’s commitment to make all course materials available, this work is complicated by textbook publishers who do not provide electronic purchasing options for libraries. Many existing course textbooks are simply unavailable to any library, regardless of budget, in formats other than print. Textbook publishers have built their profit models around selling e-textbooks directly to students. We also know that the cost of textbooks and other course materials are a barrier for students at every university and essentially sends taxpayer funded student financial aid back to content providers, who further exploit faculty labor and research to monopolize and dominate knowledge production. 

This is not a library problem. This is an industry problem that impacts everyone in higher education: students, advocates in support and success roles, faculty and institutional research output, grant funding, and confuses prestige and paywalls with quality in scholarship evaluation. 

To this end, the following publishers will not allow us to purchase an e-textbook version of their publications:

  • Pearson
  • Cengage 
  • McGraw Hill
  • Oxford University Press 
  • Most publishers of ‘common reads,’ popular fiction, and popular nonfiction
  • Many health sciences texts
  • Many law texts

This means that in courses that have adopted textbooks by these publishers, students who do not purchase the textbook or pay the Course Materials Fee will not have any alternative access to the textbook content. These publishers have the resources to support a global reliance on flexible distribution and choose not to.  

We are working with curriculum stakeholders including Learning Experience Designers, Course Authors, and Curriculum Directors to explore and identify viable textbook alternatives, including:

  • Using an existing eBook in the relevant subject area from the library’s eBook collection or requesting that the library purchase one. Many academic eBooks are not considered textbooks, and are therefore available for the library to purchase.
  • Adopting an Open Educational Resource (OER) or assisting our Course Authors in authoring their own OERs. OERs are teaching, learning, and research materials in any medium that reside in the public domain or that have been released under an open license that permits no-cost access, use, adaptation, and redistribution by others. OER include textbooks, curricula, syllabi, lecture notes, video, audio, simulations, assessments, and any other content used in education. OER provide ubiquitous access to high-quality, effective learning materials that can be easily tailored and freely adapted, revised, expanded, translated, and shared with educators and learners around the world. (EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative, 2018)

Efforts will be made to secure online materials that are free from digital rights management restrictions (DRM) in order to ensure unfettered student access. DRM includes limits on the number of users that can access a resource at any one time, as well as limits on copying, printing and downloading. 

Any and all eBook requests from curriculum stakeholders that directly support our curriculum will be honored and fulfilled if feasible. If the text is available with an unlimited user license (and preferably DRM-free) the text will be purchased following the GOBI Acquisitions procedures. If the text is not available for library acquisition, licensing may be pursued through RedShelf following the RedShelf Acquisitions procedures. Note that RedShelf licensing will require a cost per student that the student and the university will have to absorb. It is preferential that texts are acquired through the Library or that OER authorship and adoption is pursued. Please see the OER LibGuide for more information on OER.

Note on law textbooks: There are 2 main e-book publishers that we work with for the JD program, and both are contracted with the library, but access is external on their platforms:

  • West Academic – the library sends current student enrollment to this publisher and West Academic provides e-book access to law students through their Casebook and Study Aid portals (eproducts.westacademic.com, and subscription.westacademic.com)
  • Aspen (Casebook Connect) – the library works with Aspen to obtain LTI links for use within the specific law course. Students would need to register with Casebook Connect to view the e-book.
  • Note that there is an exception with Cengage and law textbooks as the library licenses law textbooks through Cengage as well. For more information on the book order process for Law, see the JFK Legal Reference Guide.

Any questions? Contact the OER & Curriculum Support Library team.

Textbook Policy Statement adapted with permission from Grand Valley State University Libraries.