A permalink is a URL or web address that will consistently point to a specific library resource such as an article, ebook, ejournal, streaming video, database, or record in a database. Why use permalinks:
On the A-Z Databases list, click on the Share icon 
to the right of the database name and use the URL that appears in the popup window. This URL will connect you from off-campus using OpenAthens or EZproxy when appropriate.
Start from the Library Search box to search for the resource. After you find the book, chapter, article or paper you need, click on the resource name to see the description. Look for the Permalink button at the bottom of the page, click and copy. Instructors can use the Course Resources button to add the item to a course reading list in Canvas.
If you are searching within a library database and want to link to a database record for an article or book, look for a permalink, stable URL, or a share link. Most databases provide a link that will bring you back to the record in the database.
Most resources that use OpenAthens will have "openathens" in the URL. For these resources, if you know the URL, you can use the OpenAthens Link Generator to get the BC URL. There are some exceptions including EBSCO, ProQuest, Gale, Kanopy, see below.
These databases do not work with the OpenAthens Link Generator. These are just examples. To find the correct URL, use either the Database A-Z list or search for the resource in Library Search.
| Platform | Steps Needed | Example URL |
|---|---|---|
|
EBSCO when URL begins with "search.ebscohost.com" |
Add "&authtype=ip,shib&custid=s4194587" to the end of the URL. If there is an existing "authtype" or "custid" it will need to be removed. |
https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?profile=ehost&defaultdb=eue&authtype=ip,shib&custid=s4194587 |
| Gale | URL should include "mlin_m_bostcoll" |
https://infotrac.gale.com/itweb/mlin_m_bostcoll?db=AONE |
| Kanopy | URL should include "bc" |
https://bc.kanopy.com/video/danton |
| O'Reilly (Safari) | URL should include "boston-college-libraries" |
https://go.oreilly.com/boston-college-libraries/library/view/~/9781098128197/ |
|
ProQuest *Does not apply to URLs beginning with "congressional.proquest.com" or "hv.proquest.com" |
URL should include "?accountid=9673" |
https://proquest.com/sociology/advanced?accountid=9673 |
| ProQuest Ebook Central | URL should include "bostoncollege-ebooks" |
https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/bostoncollege-ebooks/detail.action?docID=4934552 |
There are some resources that still use "proxy.bc.edu" and may migrate over time to OpenAthens.
Enter a link to get the BC URL for off-campus access: BC OpenAthens Link Generator
Drag the button below to install it on your browser bookmarks bar. When on a publisher page, click the button and this adds the BC Libraries OpenAthens prefix, and reloads the page.
