Creating Links to Library Resources

When creating links to library resources (e-books, databases, etc.) for your course content or projects, the most important thing to remember is to use a "permalink" or "persistent link." These are special links that are designed to work consistently and will prompt USC users to login.

Follow these basic tips when providing direct links to library resources:

• Look for Permalink, Share, Get Link, or other similar tools within the resource to copy and share.
• Avoid copying URLs from the browser's address bar, especially if they include 'sessid' or long, random alphanumeric strings. This is often a temporary link that will expire.
• Always test your link before sharing or posting it.

OpenAthens is the authentication system used by the SOM Library that you login to access our resources.

To create links to content from journal providers and library resources, you need to create an "Athenized" link using the OpenAthens Link Generator to prompt users to login for access. This includes adding the redirector prefix (specific to our institution) and also encoding the target URL.

1. Copy the URL from the address bar and use the OpenAthens Link Generator to create a durable authentication link to that page.  

2. Result: https://go.openathens.net/redirector/sc.edu?url=https%3A%2F%2Faccessmedicine.mhmedical.com%2Fbook.aspx%3Fbookid%3D2478

3. Use this special URL wherever you need persistent linking to the resource, i.e. Blackboard.  

1. Find the durable URL for the ClinicalKey Resource to which you wish to link (Excel Spreadsheets available below). 

Download Book URLs.
Download Book Chapter URLs. 
Download Journal URLs.

2. Copy the URL listed on the relevant spreadsheet:

Ex: https://www.clinicalkey.com/dura/browse/bookChapter/3-s2.0-C20160011749

3. Use the OpenAthens Link Generator to create a link like this: https://go.openathens.net/redirector/sc.edu?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.clinicalkey.com%2Fdura%2Fbrowse%2FbookChapter%2F3-s2.0-C20160011749

5. Use this Link wherever you'd like to link to the resource.  

Permanent links provided by EBSCOhost, Gale, Kanopy, and ProQuest databases are structured to work with OpenAthens. Do not put them through the OpenAthens Link Generator.

• EBSCOhost: Use the Permalink feature on the right under Tools then Share.
• Gale: Look for Get Link in the menu on the top right.
• Kanopy: Click Share next to Details and copy the link.
• ProQuest databases: Copy the Document URL under Abstract/Details.
• ProQuest Ebook Central: Use Share Link to Book in details or the link icon in the top menu when Reading Online.

Need help creating a link? Just ask us!

Some content in this guide has been copied, with permission, from: OpenAthens for Resource Access. University Libraries, University of South Carolina.