Permalinks: Home

What is a Permalink ?

A permalink is a URL that will consistently lead to a specific article, video clip or other e-resource in our collection. 

A permalink may also be called a persistent link, stable URL, durable link,  permanent link, document URL or bookmark , depending on the resource.

How do I find permalinks in databases?
Most research databases include the permalink somewhere in the article record.  The terms used and the location of these links in the record vary from one database to another.  Click on the tabs above (Ebsco, Gale, ProQuest, etc.)  for instructions on locating the permalinks for the various library electronic resources.

Why can't I just copy the URL in my browser's address bar?
URLs that appear in the address bar of your web browser when you search the library's subscription databases usually contain dynamically generated, session-based or search-based information that only works for that search session.

Why would I use a permalink rather than just upload the complete article into Blackboard, Google docs, faculty webpages, email or elsewhere?
You may be in violation of copyright law or license restrictions if you post content without appropriate authorization or permission.  Permalinks are approved by the database vendors and are guaranteed to be permanent. 

How does a permalink will work from off campus?
When on campus, access is automatic. You are being authenticated even if you don't realize it  because the database vendor is able to recognize the IP address.  When off campus, authentication via a proxy server, allows us to recognize and authenticate NCC Library users.  In order for a link to an article to work from outside the campus network or off campus, it must contain the library's Proxy script before the vendor-supplied URL.  A dialog box will appear that prompts for a student's N# and  PIN or a faculty member's login and password. 

What does the Library Proxy script look like and where can I find it?

It looks like this https://ncc.idm.oclc.org/login?url=  and the best place to find it is on your own computer! Make a simple notepad file, copy and paste this link into it, and save the file to your desktop.  Then, anytime you need it, you can copy it  from that file.

You will then be taken to the authentication page for your NCC credentials.  Students enter their N# and PIN while faculty enter their Computer ID login and password.

Some database vendors include the proxy script in the permalink so it is unnecessary to add it. This information is included in each tab. 

Select the tabs above for instructions, screen shots, and more information about using permalinks.