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Library Resources for Faculty: Databases

New Resources for Faculty

Useful Databases for Teaching Faculty

Below is a short list of databases that teaching faculty may find particularly helpful. For a full list of databases available through the Library, please visit the A-Z Resources located on the Library website.

Creating a Persistent Link

Learn how to create a persistent link to a journal article or online book.

 

What is a Persistent Link?

A persistent link is a URL that points to a specific article that is available online. Persistent links can be used to point to articles or books in Blackboard, course websites or blogs, or syllabi. They are also called “stable URLs” or “durable links."

Why Do I Need to Use Persistent Links?

Due to copyright restrictions, it is illegal to post copies of copyrighted material to course management systems (like Blackboard), and especially to class websites open to the public. Through the use of persistent links, you can protect yourself, your students, and the university. When using a persistent link, only individuals with the proper university credentials can access the material and they are tasked with generating their own copy of the reading assigned. This practice is in keeping with the Fair Use Doctrine within the United States Copyright Law and our licensing agreements with database vendors.

How Do I Create a Persistent Link?

Many databases include a persistent link or stable URL in the citation. Use these if they are available. In order to work with USCA authentication (off-campus access) links should begin with the following “proxy server” string so add this prefix to the stable URL given to you by the database:

http://ezproxy.usca.edu:2048/login?url=

 

Examples of Persistent Links with Proxy Server Prefix Added

Can I Create a Persistent Link from a DOI Number?

YES! DOI stands for “Digital Object Identifier” and most scientific journal articles that are electronically available have one. You can turn a DOI into a stable URL that can go through the USCA authentication system by following these steps:

  1. Take our proxy server prefix: http://ezproxy.usca.edu:2048/login?url=
  2. Add the DOI string: http://dx.doi.org/
  3. Add the DOI number for your article, for example doi #:10.1016/j.avb.2009.04.002
  4. So, with this example, the full stable URL should now read: http://ezproxy.usca.edu:2048/login?url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.avb.2009.04.002

Need More Help?

Contact Natalia Taylor Bowdoin, Library Collections Coordinator, nataliab@usca.edu or 803–641–3492. You may also visit the Library website for more information.

Accessing databases off-campus

Login issues? Check out our e-resources login help page

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