Reliable linking & embedding checklist

Preferred choice: LibSearch link

This is recommended for resources available in the UM Library collection. It is the same reliable link used by the University Library’s Learning & Resource Centre when creating course reading lists in KeyLinks.

Why: These links are “UM-aware,” meaning they automatically route students through the correct authentication for immediate access, regardless of their location.
Best for: E-books, journal articles, and database entries.
How to: Search for the item in LibSearch, click the title, and use the “Share” button or “Link” icon to copy the URL.

If a resource is not listed in LibSearch use one of the alternative options below.

Academic works with a DOI

Use this for academic / scientific articles, conference papers, preprints etc. published with a DOI (Digital Object Identifier).

Why: A DOI is a permanent link that remains functional even if the publisher changes their website.
How to: Always use the URL format: https://doi.org/[DOI-code].
Example: https://doi.org/10.1000/182.

Linking to database or platform content

When a DOI is unavailable on platforms like ScienceDirect, Wiley, or JSTOR.
Do not copy the URL from your browser’s address bar, as these often expire or contain session-specific data.

How to: Look for a button labelled “Permalink”, “Stable URL”, or “Share”. Copy the link that is subsequently generated for you.

Linking to journals or databases as such

Use this method to point students toward an entire journal or a specific database instead of a single article.

• For journals:
  Search for the journal title in LibSearch and use the “Share” button to ensure the link remains stable.
  Volume & Issue Level: If linking to a specific volume, find the stable URL on the publisher’s site and apply the Proxy Fix from Step 2 if the UM prefix is missing.
• For databases:
  • For direct access: Use the direct links found on the University Library’s resources pages, which are pre-configured with the UM Proxy.
    How to: Capture the link, right-click the “View Database” button and select “Copy Link Address”.
  • For introductory context and access to tutorials: Link to the database’s informational entry on the library’s Resources page.
    How to: Search for the database. Click its title to view the full description, and copy the URL from your browser address bar. Note that while this provides valuable instructional guidance, these landing page URLs are less perpetual than the managed “View Database” links and should be checked periodically.

Add the UM Proxy for off-campus access:

Once you have selected your link, you must ensure it is functional for students working off-campus. If a link does not automatically include a proxy, students will not be recognised as UM users when they are off-campus.

The Fix: Combine the UM Proxy prefix with your resource link.
How to: Paste the proxy prefix directly before your URL: https://mu.idm.oclc.org/login?url=.
Example: https://mu.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://doi.org/10.1016/S0022-328X(97)00299-4.
Validate: Test your link in an ‘Incognito’ browser window. If it prompts for a UM login, the proxy is working correctly. In rare cases UM does not have off-campus access and using the proxy will not help you, check the description on our Resources pages.

Use descriptive linking (best practice)

For a professional and accessible look, attach the functional link to the full title of the publication rather than pasting a raw URL. Only apply descriptive linking to course materials and reading lists; do not use descriptive links in bibliographies or reference lists.

How to: Instead of: Check here: https://doi.org/10.1000/182. Use: Read the DOI Handbook.