Sometimes you need to capture a link to an electronic resource to use later or to share with others. In this case, your best bet is to use the persistent link (i.e., permalink) which is a stable, fixed link that can be copied and then pasted in your browser’s address bar. Many databases provide persistent links to their records. A few examples are given below:

– In MSK Library’s OneSearch, first search for an item, then in the results list click on the ellipsis (…) in the upper right corner of the record. Next, click on the permalink (paper clip) icon, and copy the URL from the box that appears under the icon. You can also click on the item title and look for Export To > Permalink in the record window.

– In CINAHL (EBSCO), the permalink icon can be found on the right hand side of each record. In many subscription databases, such as EBSCO databases, this link can be used only when the user is on the subscribed institution IP network (on campus or VPN)  or using the library’s remote access.

-In other databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, the URL for the individual record can be copied from the browser’s address bar. You can copy the individual record URL and the direct URL link to your search. In PubMed it’s easy to create your own permalink. Simply take the address (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/) and add the article PubMed ID (PMID) to the end.

NOTE: Not every database will provide these features. You can always explore the possibility of capturing URLs either by looking for a persistent link (or permalink) or by trying to capture the record/search URL to see whether this link can be re-used.

Should you have any questions regarding persistent links, don’t hesitate to ASK US!