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A persistent URL (PURL) is a durable link that connects users directly to an article, eBook, or other item in our Library.
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.
Each Library database has a different process for capturing PURLs. This guide addresses the unique process for each database.
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 which do offer PURLs.
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 Instructional Design Librarian (tduncan@ncu.edu) directly for alternative solutions for course integration.
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.
Accessing a Resource Permalink in Roadrunner Search 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 embed code option.
Lastly, paste the link into Notepad or a Word document. Copy the hyperlink within the embed code.
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/ncu.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.
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.
Accessing a Resource Permalink in Ebook Central
Click Share Link to Book and copy the link that appears in the pop-up window.
Accessing a Resource Permalink in ERIC
Right-click and copy the Download full text link.
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.
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=pres1571&sid=bookmark-AONE&xid=43fe14fd
CORRECT WITHOUT THE &xid=***** value: https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A418467179/AONE?u=pres1571&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. 
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/ncu.edu?url=https%3A%2F%2Fheinonline.org%2FHOL%2FP%3Fh%3Dhein.journals%2Fukalr12%26i%3D521
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. First, click the Open Full Abstract link found below the resource title and copy the link in the URL field on the next page.
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%2F%3Fview%26did%3D808154
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%2F9156050
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 Northcentral University under Find Your Institution.
Accessing a Resource Permalink in JSTOR Open Access
Copy the link in the Stable URL field.
Accessing a Resource Permalink in LearnTechLib
Copy the link found in the URL 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.
Accessing a Resource Permalink in MergentOnline
Copy the link found in the URL 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.
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.
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.
Accessing a Resource Permalink in O'Reilly for Higher Education
You can create a permalink to an O'Reilly title by adding our main login URL as a prefix https://go.oreilly.com/northcentral-university/ followed by the URL to the resource title.
For example, if the title URL for Hands-On Machine Learning is https://learning.oreilly.com/library/view/hands-on-machine-learning/9781492032632/?ar
Then, the permalink for the title is the main URL followed by the title URL:
https://go.oreilly.com/northcentral-university/https://learning.oreilly.com/library/view/hands-on-machine-learning/9781492032632/?ar
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 near the top 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% 26D%3Dovft%26AN%3D00004650-900000000-99942%26PDF%3Dy
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.
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.
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.9780890425596
Accessing a Resource Permalink in Psychotherapy.net
Copy the link in the URL 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.
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.
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%2Fmethods.sagepub.com%2Freference%2Fthe-sage-encyclopedia-of-educational-research-measurement-and-evaluation%2Fi15659.xml
Accessing a Resource Permalink in SAGE Video
Click the Get Link icon found directly below the transcript.
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/ncu.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 University. 
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.
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%2Flink.springer.com%2Farticle%2F10.1007%2Fs10880-015-9441-8
Accessing a Resource Permalink in Statista
Copy the link in the URL 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.
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.
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%2F10.1080%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.
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%2F10.1111%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.
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:
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:
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:
Any questions? Contact the OER & Curriculum Support Library team.
Textbook Policy Statement adapted with permission from Grand Valley State University Libraries.
