Leslie J. Savage Library: Linking to Library Resources

• “A proxy server…acts as an intermediary between…a computer, and another server from which a user or client is requesting a service.” (from WhatIs.com)
• All our subscription-based electronic resources funnel through a proxy server in order to authenticate our subscription terms.
• When off-campus, a Western student, faculty, or staff member needs to enter their network login information in order to authenticate. This is done through the proxy server.
• Proxy server information must be included in the link or embed code in order to allow for this.
• If no proxy information is included, patrons will be blocked from accessing the resources and may even see a “purchase” option.

Western's Proxy Prefix: https://ezproxy.western.edu/login?url=​

• Make sure this prefix is included on any link you share with others.
• Proxy is “hidden” on-campus. It is bypassed because you are already on the network.
• The links provided by databases while on-campus usually do not show the proxy prefix. You’ll need to add the prefix to make the links work properly off-campus.

Look for:

• Permalink
• Permanent
• Persistent
• Stable
• Static
• Bookmark
• Share
• Embed
• Link icon
   
• Embed icon
  

1. Go to our Database Finder (linked below):
   • Find the database to which you would like to link.
   • Only subscription-based databases require proxy. Look for the W icon:
     
   • Right click on the database name.
   • Select “Copy Link Address”.
   • This link contains the proxy prefix and will allow other Western-affiliated persons to access the database off-campus.
   • Also remember that URLs found in the browser address bar are often “session-based” – they are temporary and will not work later. In most cases, you will avoid these URLs.
   • There are some exceptions. I will point them out later in this PowerPoint.
2. You may also link to the Database Finder (http://library.western.edu/az.php). The link in the address bar in the browser is a stable link and does not require proxy. You may also filter the Databse Finder and link to the filtered list (example: Chemistry databases: http://library.western.edu/az.php?s=66598).

It is important to note that you will not link to the PDF full-text of an article found in a subscription database. You will link to the abstract page.​

• “Embedding” means media (i.e. a video) is displayed on a website other than the website that hosts the media.
• Embedded media is occasionally not readable by screen readers, which may create accessibility issues. Be sure to also provide a direct hyperlink to an embedded media item. (See example below)

Example of an embedded video with a link:

Video Link: Antonio Vivaldi: Concerto Grosso in d minor, Op. 3, No. 11

Embedded video: