Stable Links for Library Resources

Stable links for library resources are links that can be safely reused, for example in course reading lists. There are two steps to confirming that a URL will work for all library users.

• The URL must be persistent. URLs that appear in web browser navigation bars are often dynamic, meaning they expire with the web browsing session.
• The URL must include EMU's proxy prefix.  The proxy prefix allows off-campus users to login so publishers can recognize authorized EMU users.

Esearch provides Permanent Links that are stable and that will direct users through the EMU proxy.

For linking to other library resources, there are two steps:

1. Find a Permanent Link or Stable Link option:
   • Links to Ebooks
   • Links to Articles
2. Check if the link includes the EMU proxy - http://ezproxy.emich.edu/login?url= - and add it if needed, using the EMU Proxy Link Generator below.

Create links that include the EMU Proxy and allow on and off-campus access to library resources:

• The link must be a stable, persistent link. See What is a stable link?, above.
• Do not add the proxy to freely available sites (such as free news or magazine sites) - the link will not work.  

When you use library resources on-campus, you will not usually see the proxy prefix in URLs for library resources.  However, the proxy prefix is required in order for a link to be stable and usable from off-campus.  The proxy prefix directs off-campus users to login and and allows the publisher to recognize authorized EMU users.

EMU's proxy prefix:

http://ezproxy.emich.edu/login?url=

Some library databases will include the proxy prefix in persistent URLs that they provide; others will not. Before reusing a link from a library database, check to see if the proxy prefix is included at the beginning.  If not, simply add it to create a URL that will work from off-campus.  For example:

A "stable" URL from JSTOR:

http://www.jstor.org/stable/4150004

Add the proxy prefix, or use the EMU Proxy Link Generator above, to create a truly stable URL that works from all locations:

http://ezproxy.emich.edu/login?url=http://www.jstor.org/stable/4150004

Adding the proxy prefix does not give access to non-EMU users; since it directs users to use their my.emich login and password, only current EMU students, faculty and staff will be given access to library subscription resources.