What are permalinks and why use them?

Commonly known as persistent or stable links, permalinks allow reliable access to library materials such as articles, ebooks, ejournals, or databases. Some permalinks are also institutionally specific to facilitate authentication.  

Benefits of permalinks:  

• More dependable: Permalinks are more stable than session-specific URLs, such as those from library database searches, that can change.
• Institution specific: Institutions specific links, such as OpenAthens links, save users the step of having to choose their institution from a list in order to login when off campus or using a VPN or cellular network for access. 
• Useful for sharing: These links are useful if you want to access the resource again, include it in syllabi, reading lists, or share it with others.

 

Creating Permalinks that use OpenAthens

1. Easiest Approach: Use permalinks to LibrarySearch records:

• Permalinks retrieved from LibrarySearch are the simplest way to link to content and ensure a consistent user experience - they route users through a library catalogue record where they will be able to locate an OpenAthens link. See instructions on locating permalinks in LibrarySearch.

 

2. Retrieve permalinks from Databases/Vendor Platforms: 

• Built-in Options: Most database and vendor platforms provide permalinks as stable points of access.
• Unique Settings: Each platform has distinct settings. Explore options to link, share, or cite to generate a usable link.
• Avoid Direct URL Copy: Merely copying the URL directly from your browser may not result in a permanent link or activate an MRU login.

Screenshots in the following sections provide examples for creating effective permalinks on different vendor platforms.

 

AVON (Academic Video Online) Example

Example AVON OpenAthens permalink to a video:
https://video.alexanderstreet.com/p/36r9lP4Px

Example link to a custom clip:
https://video.alexanderstreet.com/p/46v98o1G1

AVON link and embed best practices

 

EBSCO Example

Example EBSCO OpenAthens permalink to an article:
https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=ip,sso&db=a9h&AN=162432051&site=ehost-live&custid=s4869460

• Using Persistent Links in EBSCO Interfaces [video 1:13 min]
• EBSCO Persistent link help

 

Gale Example

Link construction is different for each database, click on the "Get Link" button at the top right of the screen. Example for a link from Gale Primary Sources  https://infotrac.galegroup.com/itweb/mtroyalc?db=GDC

(Note: Screen capture taken previous to OpenAthens migration).

 

Kanopy Example

Example link to a specific resource: https://mtroyal.kanopystreaming.com/video/216732

(Note: Screen capture taken previous to OpenAthens migration).

 

ProQuest Example

Link construction may vary by database. Example link to a specific database: https://search.proquest.com/econlit?accountid=1343

(Note: Screen capture taken previous to OpenAthens migration).

 

Proquest Ebook Example

Example link to a specific ebook : https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/mtroyal-ebooks/detail.action?docID=6423036

(Note: Screen capture taken previous to OpenAthens migration).

 

 

3. Use the OpenAthens Link Generator

If you already have a link to a resource, the OpenAthens link tool may work for you. It creates an OpenAthens link and also encodes the URL to make it more stable. 

Example link: https://go.openathens.net/redirector/mtroyal.ca?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbatesvisualguide.com%2F

 

DOIs can be used with the OpenAthens link creator, but ensure they use the format https://doi.org/ 

• Example DOI: https://doi.org/10.1353/tj.2016.0030
• Example link: https://go.openathens.net/redirector/mtroyal.ca?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdoi.org%2F10.1353%2Ftj.2016.0030

Error Messages: If you receive an error when using the tool, your link may not be compatible. In these cases refer to one of the other methods to generate a link.

Note: Additional technical details about the function of the OpenAthens link generator available at OpenAthens101: A guide for our librarians