Linking to Online Resources Using Permalinks

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, or a database. 

A permalink may also be referred to as a:

• Bookmark URL
• Document Link/URL
• Link
• Persistent Link/URL
• Record URL
• Stable Link/URL

We strongly recommend using permalinks instead of uploading articles, ebooks, etc. to Canvas or file sharing because permalinks ensure that you are not in violation of copyright law.

Permalinks allow the Libraries to maintain accurate usage statistics, which ensures that we continue to purchase and renew the resources you need.

Permalinks are a reliable means of sharing search results, bookshelves, and specific resources such as articles and ebooks. Copying and pasting the URL from the address field of a library database web page will not usually take you back to that original page. Permalinks ensure that the link will take you back to that exact page within a database.

To ensure that the links will work off-campus, they need to include K-State Libraries' proxy address - er.lib.k-state.edu somewhere in the url.

Step 1. Look at the permalink. Does it contain K-State Libraries' proxy url: er.lib.k-state.edu (e.g., https://search.proquest.com.er.lib.k-state.edu/docview/302182943?accountid=11789 OR https://er.lib.k-state.edu/login?url=http://search.datapages.com)?

• Yes: You can use the permalink as is.
• No: Use Link It to add our proxy url to the beginning of the permalink.

Step 2. Test the permalink from an off-campus location. If it doesn't work, please notify us by contacting Ask A Librarian.

A proxied link provides access to licensed (subscribed) library resources from off-campus by prompting users for their eid and password. A bookmarklet is a browser bookmark with computer code. This bookmarklet adds K-State's proxy address - er.lib.k-state.edu to the current url.

If you access articles off-campus or share articles with off-campus K-State colleagues and students, install the proxy bookmarklet on your browser's bookmarks toolbar. Whenever you are on a site that requires K-State access, click on the bookmarklet. You will be asked to login, and then redirected to the proxied version of the site.

Installation instructions

To use a bookmarklet, make sure your browser is configured to:

• allow pop-up windows
• accept third-party cookies
• enable javascript

Also make sure your bookmarks or favorites bar is visible:

• Firefox: "Alt" will display the menu bar. Select "View > Toolbars > Bookmarks Toolbar"
• Chrome: Ctrl + Shift + B will show or hide the bookmarks bar
• Safari: On the menu bar, select "View > Bookmarks Bar
• Microsoft Edge: Select "Settings > ... (more)" and toggle the switch to "Show the favorites bar"

Drag or right-click and add this link to your browser's favorites or bookmarks:

K-State Libraries Proxy