What are permalinks?
A permalink is a stable, consistent link to a resource.
The term permalink is a mashup of the phrase permanent link. They are sometimes called persistent links.
Permalinks make sharing library database resources reliable because they are encoded with the log-in prompt to allow off-campus access.
Why use permalinks?
The link we naturally copy from the browser address bar does not always include the required information to prompt log in. Without logging in, users cannot access the Library's subscriptions.
Permalinks are assigned by the database provider and prompt users to log in to access the content. Use the permalink to reliably access articles, videos, ebooks, and other content found in NWACC Library's research databases.
Permalinks can be placed in Canvas, sent by email, or used in other ways to share content with other members of the NWACC community.
This guide covers finding and using permalinks from the Library's most popular databases. Where you will find the permalink in each database is slightly different. Each tab in the guide is devoted to a single database or database group, and provides instructions on the process.
Why would I use permalinks rather than upload an article?
Open web links may change or hide content behind a paywall. Getting around this with a PDF leads to more challenges.
PDF versions of copyrighted content, such as a journal article, may only be used in Canvas for two consecutive semesters per US Copyright law.
Avoid this time restriction by providing a permalink to the article from a Library database.
Content found in our Library databases may be used indefinitely thanks to our subscription model.
For more information about copyright compliance, please see our guide.