Linking to Electronic Resources: Creating Durable Links: Getting Started

Does the article have a PMID (PubMed Identification #)?

• http://himmelfarb.gwu.edu/pmid/30931605
• Tip: test link.  If it doesn't work well, link directly to provider/publisher page.

Does the article have a DOI (example: 10.1001/jama.2017.9477)?

• https://proxygw.wrlc.org/login?url=https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2017.9477
• Tip: test link.  If it doesn't work well or get you to the full-text article, check Himmelfarb Library's holdings for the journal and link directly to provider/publisher page.

How can a link to an e-book or e-journal be created using an ISBN or ISSN number?

• E-Book example:  https://himmelfarb.gwu.edu/isbn/9780071843249
• Journal example:  https://himmelfarb.gwu.edu/issn/00987484 

Is the full-text article available via EBSCOhost, Ovid, or Proquest?

• Use the full-text links provided within the article:
  • EBSCOhost: Permalink
  • Ovid: Email Jumpstart
  • Proquest: Document URL
• Do NOT use the displayed URL; the displayed URL will work for only a short period of time.

When should I create a durable link on a publisher/provider website?

In cases where it's not possible link by using a standard identifier (i.e. DOI, PMID, ISSN, or ISBN), you may still compose durable links to connect users directly to content on publisher/provider websites.  A durable link is composed in two steps:

1.  Obtain a direct link to the desired article or book.

• This link should be formatted so that it works consistently and is not dependent on a specific computer or browser session.
• Instructions for specific resources, publishers, and platforms are provided in the E-Journal Articles and E-Texts and Databases sections of this guide. 

2.  Append the proxy prefix to the beginning of the direct link; this step provides secure off-campus access to resources.

• The proxy prefix is: http://proxygw.wrlc.org/login?url=
• The form above will help you append and test the durable, proxied link.

​How can I create a durable URL quickly?

What is a durable link?

• A link that will consistently deliver access to an e-journal or e-book regardless of if the user if on- or off-campus?
• A link that connects the user to the copy of an e-journal or e-book provided by Himmelfarb Library?

Why should I use durable links instead of PDFs?

• Durable links connect students to required and recommended readings and do not require faculty to obtain copyright permission. 

What does a durable link look like?

• A durable link combines the proxy prefix which hooks the link into Himmelfarb Library: http://proxygw.wrlc.org/login?url= with a stable URL for the article or book (example: https://www.clinicalkey.com/#!/browse/book/3-s2.0-C20100672099).  The two links are combined with no extra spaces:  http://proxygw.wrlc.org/login?url=https://www.clinicalkey.com/#!/browse/book/3-s2.0-C20100672099
• Durable links may also be created by using a a standard number from the item to create a link: the PMID for PubMed articles, the ISBN for books, and the ISSN for journals.​
  • PubMed article example: https://himmelfarb.gwu.edu/pmid/25766056
  • E-Book example:  https://himmelfarb.gwu.edu/isbn/9780071843249
  • Journal example:  https://himmelfarb.gwu.edu/issn/00987484 

If an e-book as limited simultaneous users online, can I create a PDF and load it to Blackboard?

• This is not a good idea and may violate copyright as this could affect the sale of the original work.   Alternatively, please contact the Himmelfarb Library Reserves Department by email mlbrsv@gwu.edu or telephone at 202-994-2962. 

Where can I learn more about copyright and 'fair use' of materials?

• The Fair Use Checklist may be a useful place to start.
• Himmelfarb Library's Copyright Research Guide may also be useful. 
• Blackboard Copyright Chart.

How many users/copies/seats are available for specific books or articles?

• Most electronic resources available via Himmelfarb Library provide 'unlimited users' access, however some resource permit a fixed number of concurrent users.  
• To ensure adequate access for your students, please check with Laura Abate (leabate@gwu.edu or 202-994-8570) prior to assigning a reading to fifteen or more students.

We will create durable links for you!  

Library staff are ready to help!  Send us your syllabus and we will:

• Check for broken links and update links as needed.
• Ensure that links work from on- and off-campus locations.
• Add new links to materials in Himmelfarb Library's collections. 

Please contact: himmelfarb@gwu.edu