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Linking to Library Resources

How are Links Structured for Library Resources?

Links to articles, eBooks, and journals in library databases follow a specific structure:

  • The proxy URL/address prefix.
  • The "persistent URL" of the resource.

As an example, a link to the list of EBSCO databases for the Howard Community College Library, consists of two parts:

  • The proxy prefix used by the Library is always: https://libproxy.howardcc.edu/login?url=
  • The persistent URL for the EBSCO databases is: https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?profile=ehost

So by combining these two, the link that would be used on a web page or in an email would be:

Example showing the proxy prefix applied to a persistent URL.

What is a Persistent URL or Link?

Persistent links are internet addresses or URLs that remain consistent and do not change over time. Other terms used for persistent links include permanent links, stable links, static links, durable links, or PURLs (Persistent Universal Resources Locators).

When sharing a peristent link, it's still a good idea to include the citation information for the article, eBook, database, etc.

Can't I Just Copy the Link From the Address Bar?

No. The link in the address bar is only temporary when searching library resources and should not be used to later try to access library content.

For example, a temporary link might look like:

  • https://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=3&hid=122&sid=ff2db389-41b7-402a-ad43-90af21577092%40sessionmgr110&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=a9h&AN=23629676

And a persistent link will continue after the search session has been closed:

  • https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=23629676&site=ehost-live