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Integrating Library Resources Into Your Canvas Course

Overview

This page outlines the preferred method for linking to library resources from course shells, webpages, or email. The same method applies for journal articles, streaming videos, e-books, or any other items found in the library catalog.

Linking to electronic resources is always preferred over uploading copies to an online course. Linking with this method helps to ensure that:

  • Students will get easy access to resources from off campus, without hitting paywalls, login screens, or other confusing pages.
  • Students will have accessible versions of articles or e-books.
  • Links will always point to any full text that is available, even as library subscriptions change.
  • Cal Poly Humboldt will stay in compliance with our licensing agreements for these resources.
  • Library statistics will show that these resources are being used.

Finding Links for Articles

Creating links

  1. First, search for the item you wish to use from the OneSearch box on the library home page. 
    OneSearch search box
     
  2. Find the item in your search results, and choose the ellipsis (...) icon to the right of it.
    A highlighted ellipsis on an article record in OneSearch
     
  3. In the pop-up window that appears, choose the icon labeled "Permalink."

     
  4. Finally, choose the link that says "Copy the permalink to clipboard."

     

You can then paste the permalink into an email, use it to create a link in a course shell, or create a link from wherever you choose. The link will lead back to the OneSearch page for the resource. From there, anyone can get to the resource from on campus, and Cal Poly Humboldt students, faculty, and staff will be able to log in for access from off campus.

*content from this page adapted from Fresno State Library with permission

Permalink vs URL

When you incorporate links to articles and ebooks in Canvas, it is best to use a permalink instead of a URL Students will need to use their myhumboldt login to access the material that you are linking to. Read below for an explanation of the two:

Permalink: A web address that links directly to a specific page or certain content at a location that is never changed or updated. If you need to access articles located within a database, a permalink is the best option to use. In order for your link to work, the address must begin with the following sequence:

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

URL: A web address that links directly to a specific page or certain content at a location that may be updated on a regular basis. A website that continuously updates itself with new content, such as a news website, will use URLs to direct information seekers to content. Once that information is obsolete, new content can plugged into a specific page. An example of a url is:

http://www.nameofwebsite.com/article_link_will_not_always_work