A permalink is a web address or URL that will consistently open a specific web page or online resource, such as a journal article, ebook, library catalog record, database, or web site.
Many library databases and other electronic resources create dynamically generated links. These links are recreated frequently and will not always work to return to the resource after your initial online session. This is why copying the url or link from the address bar for a page in a database or an electronic journal article sometimes results in broken links when you try to use them later.
If you wish to share a resources in an email or by posting links online, you should use a permalink to ensure that you are able to connect to your resources in the future.
A permalink may also be referred to as a stable link, durable link, persistent link, permanent link or document link.
You may be in violation of copyright law or license restrictions if you post content without appropriate authorization or permission. Using permalinks is the best method for sharing articles with your colleagues since this method ensures that only individuals who have access permissions through their employee status can see the resource. For more information about copyright law, please see guides linked from the Copyright & Fair Use page.
Permalinks are also used to help accurately track statistics about how often a journal or other resources is being used by employees. Usage statistics for library resources help us ensure that the content we subscribe to is being utilized and that we are effectively managing our collection and budget.
The intent of this guide is to provide employees of Cincinnati Children's with information pertaining to copyright law and fair use. In no way does this guide constitute, or take the place of, legal counsel. This guide was compiled for educational purposes only. Any content presented on other's sites are for user's convenience only and Pratt Library and/or Cincinnati Children's does not take responsibility for anything presented on these third party sites.