When posting or sharing a link to articles, eBooks, or videos from library databases, the link should be both persistent and proxied in order for it to work consistently from both on campus and off campus.

What is a persistent link?

Persistent links are URLs provided by many databases that allow users to link directly to a specific online article, document, book, etc. These links may also be called document links, permalinks, permanent links, PURLs (Persistent URLs), share links, or stable links. Also look for buttons or labels such as “Copy URL” or “Bookmark URL”, which will often lead to a persistent link.

Why can't I use the url in my browser's address bar?

The URL that displays in your browser's address bar often contains temporary session or search data that will cause the link to not work at a later time. Because of this, most major databases will include a persistent link in the article record.

What is a proxied link?

A proxied link includes a proxy prefix that will prompt off campus users to enter their SLU network credentials. Once they've signed in, they'll be authorized to view the resource and will be directed to the content.

What is our proxy prefix?

http://stlawu.idm.oclc.org/login?url=

How do I make a proxied link?

Some databases automatically format persistent links to include our proxy; look for stlawu in the URL. Some examples of proxied links:

Discovery Search: http://stlawu.idm.oclc.org/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=31h&AN=135449781&site=eds-live&scope=site
ProQuest: http://stlawu.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://search.proquest.com/docview/231975728?accountid=14076
DOI: https://stlawu.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://doi.org/10.3998/mpub.11567473
Project Muse: https://muse-jhu-edu.stlawu.idm.oclc.org/article/625153 
[This is an example of a proxy written into a link, rather than added as prefix; it will work the same way as the above examples]

If the persistent link doesn't include the proxy, you can create a proxied link yourself by adding our proxy prefix to the front of the URL.

Persistent link (including http:// or https://)
https://www.jstor.org/stable/42914225 

Proxy prefix
https://stlawu.idm.oclc.org/login?url=

Complete persistent proxied link: https://stlawu.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/42914225

The final persistent proxied link connects to the full text content of the article, and will work for remote students as well as students on campus.

Notes:

  • When constructing your own proxied link, make sure there are no spaces between the proxy prefix and the URL
  • Open Access and freely available resources do not require the use of a proxy. In fact, adding a proxy to such a resource may break the link.
  • Always test your link before posting or sharing!

If you have any questions about linking to library resources, contact Kate Salathe, systems librarian.