Linking to Library Resources

Overview

This guide outlines the preferred method for linking to library resources from course shells, webpages, or email. The same method applies for journal articles, streaming videos, e-books, or any other items found in the library catalog.

Linking to electronic resources is always preferred over uploading copies to an online course. Linking with this method helps to ensure that:

• Students will get easy access to resources from off campus, without hitting paywalls, login screens, or other confusing pages.
• Students will have accessible versions of articles or e-books.
• Links will always point to any full text that is available, even as library subscriptions change.
• Fresno State will stay in compliance with our licensing agreements for these resources.
• Library statistics will show that these resources are being used.

Creating links

1. First, search for the item you wish to use from the OneSearch box on the library home page. You can choose the "Articles" or "Books & Media" scope to narrow your search.
   
    
    
2. Find the item in your search results, and choose the ellipsis (...) icon to the right of it.
   
    
    
3. In the pop-up window that appears, choose the icon labeled "Permalink."
   
    
    
4. Finally, choose the link that says "Copy the permalink to clipboard."
   
    

You can then paste the permalink into an email, use it to create a link in a course shell, or create a link from wherever you choose. The link will lead back to the OneSearch page for the resource. From there, anyone can get to the resource from on campus, and Fresno State students, faculty, and staff will be able to log in for access from off campus.

The library's electronic reserves system can also be used to provide links to electronic resources. E-reserves can include scans of print material, and can be integrated with a single link from a Canvas course shell.

For full information, see E-Reserves.

You can use the same method for linking to open resources, if they are listed in the library catalog. However, for resources that are freely available on the open web without a subscription, you can link directly without using OneSearch.

Use a persistent URL if one is available. Journal articles often have a Digital Object Identifier (DOI) which also serves as a persistent link. A DOI link will look something like this: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13194-020-00326-5. (If you don't have a DOI for an article, you can search for one with the "Search Metadata" option at www.crossref.org.) You may see "handle" links, which are also persistent, and look like this: http://hdl.handle.net/10211.3/177311.

Check to see if freely available resources have a license that allows for re-use, such as Creative Commons or other open licenses. Licenses for Open Access publications and Open Educational Resources will often allow you to upload copies of materials to your course shell instead of linking. Sometimes they will also permit modifying the material to suit your course. (Learn more about Open Access (OA) and Open Educational Resources (OER).)

Most streaming media titles can be linked from OneSearch using the directions above. However, many streaming media databases offer options for linking directly or embedding videos in the Learning Management System. See these instructions for some of the most popular streaming video providers.