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OpenAthens: Linking to Library Resources

This guide contains information about OpenAthens, the library's authentication system for online resources.

Permalinks

Permalinks

Permalinks are the easiest way to link to library resources in Canvas, course syllabi, reading lists, websites, and email. A permalink (also called a persistent link, permanent link, stable link, static link, or durable link) is a URL or web address that will consistently point to a specific library resource, such as a full-text article, ebook, ejournal, streaming video, database, or record in a database.

Why should I use permalinks? 

  1. URLs or links that appear in the address bar of your web browser when you search the library's databases may be session-based or search-based and will not work when copied and used at a later time.
  2. Linking to licensed library resources in Canvas, syllabi, and course reading lists is copyright compliant. Linking is recommended over posting digital copies of the full text of an article, a book chapter, or an image. 
  3. Each time a library resource is accessed, a use for that resource is counted. The librarians gather usage statistics and consider usage when making decisions about journal or database cancelations.

How do I create a permalink? 

For most resources in our database, there will be a tab or link to generate the permalink. In EBSCO, this shows up along the right-hand side when viewing a resource (as seen below). Click on that and a permalink you can copy and paste into Canvas, a website, or email, will appear. 

Fusion permalink example
 

Be sure to test your permalinks before sharing!

OpenAthens links

In order to ensure SRC users are able to access content, when you create the permalink for Open Athens-enabled resources, one of these addresses will likely be in the URL:

  1. New address: https://go.openathens.net/redirector/src.edu?url= 
    1. ​Example: https://go.openathens.net/redirector/icc.edu?url=http%3A%2F%2Fsearch.credoreference.com/
  2. Old address (expires TBD): 
    1. ​Example: https://search.credoreference.com/