STRATTON TAYLOR LIBRARY

Databases

How to Find and Copy Persistent URLs

Some instructors require students to include in their papers persistent URLs to electronic journal articles they cite. Also known as permalinks, persistent URLs provide instructors direct access to journal articles.  Even instructors who do not require them will appreciate the convenience persistent URLs provide. The screen shots below are for the EBSCO databases, but all of the databases use a similar process. Problems?  Contact Sarah Clark at 343-7719.

Step 1

In the results list for your search, click on the title of the article you want to cite.

Step 2

Click on Permalink

Step 3

Click and drag to select the entire URL, right click on it, and select copy from the pop-up menu.

Step 4

Go to the Word document or other document where you would like to insert the link. Put your cursor where you would like the link to be inserted, right click, and select paste.

Step 5

The text of the link should now be inserted into your citation. However, Word needs to be told to turn this string of text into a hyperlink so that your professor can click on this link and be taken directly to the article you are citing (Instructors must be on campus or logged into the campus VPN for the link to work properly). Select the entire link as described in step 3, right click, and select hyperlink from the pop-up menu.

Step 6

Take a careful look at the text in the “text to display” and “address” boxes. The text in both boxes should be identical. If there are differences (this can happen when working off-campus), change the “address” text to match the “text to display”. Click OK to turn the text into a working hyperlink.

The finished product: Your Citation should now look something like this. Note: this citation reflects the Turabian style format. Follow the style format requested by your professor/department.

Wehrum, Kasey. 2009. "It's all for a good cause." Inc 31, no. 9: 104-106. Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed August 16, 2010).

Available From Internet.

If you run into any problems with this process, contact the Library and we will be happy to help you with persistent URLs or with any of your other research needs. Good Luck!