Answered By: Maddie McConnell Last Updated: Jul 30, 2025 Views: 1589
A permalink (a.k.a. persistent URL or PURL) is used to create direct and stable access to the full text of an article or particular web page, such as a specific search that yielded results you would like to share. Permalinks are useful when you want to share material, especially with students, faculty, or staff who are accessing online materials off campus or on Canvas.
In some cases, when certain catalogs and databases are searched, the web addresses (URLs) that appear in the address bar of your web browser are too specific to that search session and will give an error message if you try to access them later. These are not permalinks.
However in our two main catalogs, EBSCO Discovery Service (EDS) and WorldCat Discovery, the address bar of your search can be used as a permalink. This can be done by copying and pasting that browser link some where you can safely store it for later use.
For EBSCO Discovery Service browser links, keep in mind that these permalinks will have to pass through the UNM proxy server, so accessing them later will require a sign in with a NetID and password.
If you need to share EDS browser links with some one who does not have a UNM login, you can add &acr_values=guest to the end of the browser URL. Community patrons will be able to access the URL if you don’t have to be authenticated to view that URL.
Compare:
https://research.ebsco.com/c/rwhek4/search/details/ggxdgcodzf?db=cat05987a
with
https://research.ebsco.com/c/rwhek4/search/details/ggxdgcodzf?db=cat05987a&acr_values=guest
*This addition should not be needed for WorldCat Discovery browser links.
In the library catalogs and some databases, you can also find an item's permalink in the Share tool menu.
You can find permalinks for specific titles in EBSCO Discovery Service by clicking the share arrow on the upper right corner of the record.
In the popup, you will need to click Create link as seen below to have the permalink generated. Copy and paste this link as needed.
If you are using the WorldCat Discovery catalog, you can find the permalink under the "Share" option in the upper right corner of a record.
Copy the link that appears in a pop-up window:
If your permalink is not working off campus, you can try making sure it goes through our proxy server by adding the proxy prefix to the beginning of a permalink. The proxy prefix is: https://libproxy.unm.edu/login?url=
Note that in some databases, permalinks are proxied automatically.
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