Library:Creating persistent URLs to full-text journals in Web CT Vista/What is a PURL

From UBC Wiki

PURLS

PURLS, or Permanent URLs, are links to web pages that remain stable over time. Not all URLs are permanent - some are "session-based." These will not work after you log-off, navigate away from the page and/or if you click them several hours later.

Dance of the Water Pearls by Mara from Flickr
  • You can use UBC Library Online Course Reserves (LOCR) to create PURLS for your students. To learn more about LOCR, see the Using Course Reserves guide.
  • Or you can EZproxy your own Persistent URLs.
    • Click the 'EZproxy' tab above to learn how and when to use EZproxy.
    • Click the 'Online Materials' tab above to learn how to distinguish between session-based URLs and permanent URLs.


Why should I use a PURL?

Many people would prefer to upload the full-text of an article directly into their online course. That's understandable - to do so is a quick and technically simple process.

According to UBC's Instructor FAQ 2.13, posting a single article from a periodical publication or a book chapter to UBC’s secure learning management system may be permitted under UBC's Fair Dealing Requirements, unless this is not allowed under the terms of the licence for the specific e-journal or e-book provided by UBC Library.

  • Before uploading an article into your online course, check the Library's License Information page to check the permitted uses for the journal or database it appears in.
  • If a resource indicates that you are not permitted to put its content "in e-reserves" then you will need to provide your students with a persistent link to the article instead.
    • Note, many journals are purchased as part of a large package and thus, are not searchable by individual title.
    • If the journal you are interested in is not listed in the License Information Database you can contact your subject librarian or eResources & Access for help.