Definition: A permalink is a web address that will consistently point to a specific information source such as an ebook, an article, a record in the catalog, a video, an image or a database.
A permalink may also be called a stable link, durable link, persistent link, permanent link or document link, depending on the resource.
How do I find permalinks?
Most research databases include a permalink in the article record. The terms used and the location of these links in the record vary from one database to another. Click on the tabs (Ebsco, ProQuest, etc) for instructions on locating the permalinks for the SJSU Library's electronic resources.
Why can't I just copy the URL in my browser's address bar?
Web addresses (URLs) that appear in the address bar of your web browser when you search the library's subscription databases usually contain dynamically generated session-based or search-based information that will not work when copied and used at a later time.
Why would I use a permalink rather than just upload the article into LMS, Google docs, faculty webpages, email or elsewhere?
You may be in violation of copyright law or license restrictions if you post content without appropriate authorization or permission. Using permalinks is the preferred option. For more information about copyright law, please see the Copyright and Fair Use LibGuide. Permalinks are also used to help track statistics. Usage statistics help the library to purchase the right resources for you.
How do I know if a permalink will work from off campus?
When on campus, access is transparent -- you are being authenticated even if you don't realize it because we recognize the IP address. When off campus, authentication via a proxy server, allows us to recognize and authenticate SJSU Library users. In order for the library's electronic resources paid subscriptions to work from outside our campus network or off campus, they must contain the library's proxy in the URL. This in turn will open a dialog box prompting you to provide your SJSU One Tower Card ID and PIN. Here's a screenshot with more information about off campus access to the library's electronic resources.
What does the Library Proxy look like?
It looks like this - http://libaccess.sjlibrary.org/login?url=
It is usually in front of a URL.
Here's an example: http://libaccess.sjlibrary.org/login?url=http://www.anthrosource.net
Here's another example: http://portal.acm.org.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/portal.cfm
Note: Certain types of databases, such as open access (free) or password protected databases, do not need to use the library proxy.