Linking to Electronic Resources: Creating Durable Links: Getting Started

Durable links consistently deliver access to an article, book, or journal provided by Himmelfarb Library or GW regardless of if the user if on- or off-campus.

Multiple methods are available for creating durable links.  For course materials, Himmelfarb Library recommends:

​How can I create a durable URL quickly?

Linking via Himmelfarb's Search Tool

Himmelfarb's search tool has a Permalink option that links users to full-text options available from Himmelfarb Library.  Via this method, you'll get an updated list of full-text options even if these options change over time.

1. Identify the item to which you'd like to link, then click the Permalink button
2. Click the button to 'copy the permalink to clipboard'.

Linking via EBSCO, Ovid, or Proquest

Is the full-text article available via EBSCO, Ovid, or Proquest online search systems?

• Use the full-text links provided within the article or book:
  • EBSCO: 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.

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)?

• http://himmelfarb.gwu.edu/doi/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 

To link to databases available via Himmelfarb Library:

1. Access the Databases webpage and locate the database.
2. Right click on the hyperlinked database name and copy the URL.

Example: https://guides.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/Scopus

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

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 a 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. 

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

• No: creating a PDF and loading it to Blackboard may violate copyright as this could affect the sale of the original work.   Please contact the Himmelfarb Library Reserves Department by email mlbrsv@gwu.edu or telephone at 202-994-2962 so that we can assess options. 

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 Ian Roberts (imroberts@gwu.edu or 202-994-3685) prior to assigning a reading to fifteen or more students.

Himmelfarb doesn't currently provide online access for the book that I'd like to use in my course - can it be added to the collection? 

• Online access to books varies by publisher and title.  Please contact Ian Roberts (imroberts@gwu.edu or 202-994-3685) to discuss options for books used your your course(s).