University of Minnesota Libraries -- Copyright Initiatives

Linking Methods: Creating Persistent Links to Licensed Content

Most license agreements for electronic information resources do not grant unrestricted rights to download and re-post content on a local host (e.g., WebCT courses, locally-developed databases, etc.). Therefore, as a rule of thumb, link whenever possible.

This page illustrates two ways to create persistent authorizing links to licensed content. These links, when most successful, are able to connect the user at the document- or article-level. Both methods use the Libraries' SFX (Find It) link resolving system. Both methods assume that one is starting with a known item that can be verified in a database and/or a complete and reliable bibliographic citation. In order of recommended use, these methods are --

Use of "Find It-Enabled" Databases
Use of the Libraries' Citation Finder

If you have questions about creating persistent links send e-mail to infopoint@umn.edu

Method #1: Use of "Find It-Enabled" Databases

This method begins with turning to the generally high quality metadata provided by Libraries-licensed indexes and databases that are OpenURL-enabled.

Step 1: Select and search an appropriate Find It-Enabled database for a citation to the document/article that you wish to link to.

Step 2: Locate the relevant citation and click on the button presented in the database's record display.

Step 3: By means of the Find It menu generated, determine and test full-text availability for the document/article needed. If the full-text link(s) tests well, click on the Find It Link Generator link further down the menu.

Step 4: From the Find It Generator page, copy the long link presented in the scrollable box and paste it behind the link text that you have created on your online syllabus, course page, web bibliography, or other web page. Test the link. Note: the embedded link will always return to a Find It menu, from which the user will need to click on the full-text link(s).

Method #2: Use of the Libraries' Citation Finder

Step 1: Go to the Libraries' Citation Finder and complete as many fields as possible, but for certain provide journal title, year, volume, issue, and starting page number (all those elements that are routinely expressed on the Find it menu). Click the "Go" button.

Step 2: A Find It menu will be presented, as seen below. Now click the "Go" button for the "Find It Link Generator."

Step 3: From the Find It Generator page, copy the long link presented in the scrollable box and paste it behind the link text that you have created on your online syllabus, course page, web bibliography, or other web page. Test the link. Note: the embedded link will always return to a Find It menu, from which the user will need to click on the full-text link(s).