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Integrating Library Resources into Blackboard

Rules of Thumb About Linking

  1. Use the persistent link provided from the primary source of the content.
  2. Avoid using a link from a secondary source such as OneSearch.  Secondary source linking introduces an additional opportunity for linking errors.
  3. Add the proxy prefix to the source link unless these instructions specifically indicate the proxy prefix is not required (ProQuest Ebook Central links do NOT require the proxy prefix).
  4. Test the link when not using the campus network environment.  For example, if you are creating links from an on-campus office or in the Citrix environment, check the link again when off-campus or using a smartphone data plan that doesn't use campus wifi.
  5. Be aware that sometimes linking to article level content is not available on the platform.  This includes Westlaw, Albany Business Review, MedCom, Reference Solutions, and several other specialized resources.
  6. If the link is failing, contact the library for assistance!

 

Acknowledgement

This guide was inspired by and based on Library Resources for Blackboard a guide created by Laura Harris, Online Learning Librarian at SUNY Oswego. Thank you, Laura!

Why link?

If you've located a resource like an e-book, article, streaming video, or other item from one of the library resources, providing a direct link to it helps students to easily access this item within the context of your online course.

In addition, linking is LEGAL!  Copying PDFs or other digital files from library resources and then uploading the file to Blackboard may be a violation of copyright.  Providing a link is always the better option!

HOWEVER, there are several things to keep in mind:

  1. Each library resource treats linking differently!  You'll need to learn how to link using the tools and options on each platform.  Good news:  this guide will provide instructions for many of the platforms.  More good news:  We're here to help if the instructions don't answer all your questions.
  2. Links must include a special prefix -- a proxy prefix -- so that off-campus or remote users can access library resources.  Otherwise, the content provider won't recognize you as an HVCC student/faculty member who is eligible for access.  Good news:  this guide provides instructions.  More good news:  We're here to help!

About Linking

When you view an article in a library database, the URL for that webpage is either dynamic or persistent.

Dynamic links = the URL was created at the time you did the search in the database and contains information related to your search. A dynamic link is temporary and usually will not work when copied and tried again. If you provide a dynamic URL to others as a link in Blackboard, they will not be able to access the information. Most of the time, the URL in the address bar will be a dynamic link.

Persistent links will get you to the same source every time. Many vendors do a good job of providing persistent links, but not all. Venders call persistent links other names, including:

  • Permalink (EBSCOhost databases)
  • Get Link (Gale databases)
  • Document URL (ProQuest databases)
  • Stable URL (JSTOR database)

For more information please see the Linking Tools page in this guide.

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