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Permalinks
In this document we talk more about Permalinks and how to create, find and use them.
What are Permalinks?
Permalinks are permanent URLs that point to a specific resource online. They are designed to remain unchanged for many years, making them less likely to break. This allows users to bookmark or share a stable link to a specific location online. Basically, it is the permanent address of the webpage.
Permalinks offer an alternative to sharing inaccessible PDFs of your course. Instead of trying to fix the inaccessible PDF article, post a permalink for learner’s direct access to the article’s bibliographic record in a database.
Key Points to Consider When Creating Permalinks
- Stability – permalinks designed to remain constant over time, unlink temporary URLs that may expire or change.
- Search Engine benefits – when structured well, the permalink includes keywords which can improve a website’s search engine by providing context about the page content.
- User-Friendliness – easy to read and understand, making it simple for users to navigate to the intended page.
- Example – if you have a blog to share with others with the title “My National Park Adventures.” Your permalink may look like this “https://yourwebsite.com/blog/my-national-park-adventures”.
How Do I Find and Use Permalinks?
Steps for Creating Permalinks to an Article in a Database
- To create the weblink, you first need to locate the permalink for your article. Navigate to the bibliographic record in the database, then find the permalink option.
- Select the permalink icon. The permalink should appear on the same page. Most databases will clearly label the permalink option with terms like "permalink," "persistent link," or "durable URL."
- Copy the link. You can either cut & paste, or you can highlight and copy.
- Go to your Blackboard course. Navigate to the content area you want to put the article in. Add the link, with text describing what and why to go to the link. Follow guidelines in Descriptive Links.
- Once you have created a permalink, your students will be able to select the link in Blackboard. This will direct them to the bibliographic record for the article in the database. There, they should be able to select the format that best suits their needs.
Resources
- More learn more/how to’s at How to Make Materials Accessible
- Southern New Hampshire University – What is a Permalink and How do I Find or Create One
- WordPress permalinks for bloggers – Customize Permalinks