Linking to Library Resources

When you want to share a library resource that you already know about - an eBook, article or other reading, or video - you can search for it using our discovery tool. The discovery tool accepts partial or full citation information to search (e.g. you can search by copying and pasting an article title into the search box), and will provide you with a result page that includes a permanent link. Permanent links (or permalinks, or durable links) are URLs that will not time out or change. Bonus! Permanent links found using the library search box (EBSCO Discovery Service) work off campus by including the proxy server.

For record items that have an “Access Now,” a “View Full Text (Database Name)” button or something similar, you can copy and paste the URL from the page that opens. This will link you directly to the PDF or eBook instead of the record page.

1. Access the library search box on the homepage.

2. When you locate the library resource you want to share, click the access button of the item you want to link to.

3. Copy the URL from the browser window

4. Copy and paste the provided permanent link to add to your syllabus or course site, or to share.

Items that do not have an “Access Now” option can link to the record page instead. Unlike in the past, the URL in the browser window now is a stable URL that can be shared with UMKC users by making a small modification.  

To successfully link to an UMKC item, follow these steps: 

1. When you locate the library resource you want to share, 

2. Copy the URL from the browser address bar 

3. Add &acr_values=shib to the end of the URL 

4. Paste where needed

Example: You copied the URL: https://research.ebsco.com/search/book from the browser window and add &acr_values=shib to the end of the URL to get: https://research.ebsco.com/search/book&acr_values=shib 

UMKC Instructors are able to search for library subscriptions through EBSCO and ProQuest from within Canvas, select them, and embed them for viewing within Canvas courses and assignments. The advantage of this method is that users will be able to read library resources without leaving Canvas, and not be prompted to authenticate.
 

1. After logging into Canvas, select Courses from the left menu and select the course where you would like to embed a reading. 
2. For an existing module, select the + sign at the right to add a content item. If you don’t have a module, you can add one with the + Module button.

3. From the Add dropdown, select External Tool. 
4. From the list of External Tools that appears in the popup, select the EBSCOhost Library or ProQuest external tool. 
5. A frame will open and display the home page of the EBSCO or ProQuest platform configured for your Canvas account.
6. You can search and browse within this frame to find the document you wish to link to.
7. Once identified, the document display page will have a Select this document (ProQuest) or +Add (EBSCO) button near the top of the page. Use this button to select the document you’d like to embed in your module.

8. This will return you to the Add Item form in Canvas. Scroll down and enter a meaningful Page Name.
9. For the best experience, we recommend checking the Load in new tab checkbox.
10. Click the Add Item button to complete the addition of the link. Click the new link. It should open a new frame to the document page identified above, without requiring authentication.

Physical Items can be linked to through the new library catalog at https://libcat.umsystem.edu/. This is ideal for users who are interested in searching our physical cataloged collections.

1. Click the title of the item that you want

2. Click the permalink button

3. Paste link where needed

Once you have created the link, you can use and share it! Post it as a link in your syllabus or add to your course.
To add a link to a Canvas module:

•     From an existing module, click the "+" button

•     From the drop-down menu, click "Add External URL"

•     Paste in the generated link for the article, eBook, or video
•     Provide a name for the link. 
•     Select “Load in New Tab”
•     Click “Add Item”

NOTE: For information about copyright, please see the Copyright Guide. Linking to resources also helps the library track which resources are being used. Usage statistics help the library buy the right resources for you!

Problems or comments? Please contact us.