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Create stable links to Library resources

Create stable links to library resources so Federation students and staff can access resources off campus.

Use the Open Athens link generator

A stable link (also known as a permalink) is a URL that reliably connects to a specific online resource, such as a journal article or database entry. Unlike regular browser URLs which often contain temporary session data and can break over time, stable links are designed to remain valid and accessible long-term.

Why create stable links

  • Your online resources stay accessible, even after a session ends or content is moved.
  • Off-campus access is easy—students can log in through the library’s subscriptions.
  • It’s simple to embed links in Moodle or Learning Resources lists, so your students won’t lose access mid-semester.

Use the link generator to create a stable link

Use the Open Athens link generator to create a stable link to a library resource. Search for 'Federation University' and paste your link. The link generator will add the Open Athens authentication to the link to ensure Federation students and staff can access the resource off campus.

While most of the Library's online resources are authenticated using Open Athens and the Link Generator, there are some exceptions. See the instructions below to find out how to create stable links for these resources.

Linking to other Library databases

  1. Locate the streaming video. 
  2. Select the 'Share' button, then copy the 'Via permalink' URL.

  1. Locate the title in the Library catalogue. Select 'Bookmark link for this record'.
  2. Copy the URL (it should look like https://library.federation.edu.au/record=b1966719~S4)

Tips for linking ebooks to your course

  • Before linking an ebook, ensure it’s a title the library holds with ongoing access. Some titles are only available temporarily unless they show high usage. If you're unsure, please contact us, we’re happy to confirm this for you.

  • Ebooks can be accessed by students from any location. They can also print and copy portions of the content, within copyright limits.

  1. From the article’s landing page, select 'Access options' and 'PDF'.
  2. Copy and paste the URL.

Do not use the 'Share' button because this will add an extra login step for students.

  1. Locate the streaming video.
  2. Select 'Export Citation', then copy the link provided on the following screen.
  3. Paste the URL into the Link Generator to create a stable link. This enables students and staff off campus to access the material.

  1. Locate the streaming video.
  2. Select 'Share', then copy the share link.

For O'Reilly eBooks, linking you will need to use the following formats

Whole book links

Format Example
Template https://go.oreilly.com/FederationUniversity/library/view/title/book#/
Whole book links https://go.oreilly.com/FederationUniversity/library/view/business-writing-for/9781119369004/

Book chapters

Format Example
Template https://go.oreilly.com/FederationUniversity/library/view/title/book#/chapterlink
Whole book links https://go.oreilly.com/FederationUniversity/library/view/the-triple-bottom/9781844070169/08_Chapter01.xhtml#ch01

Use the 'Customer ID' at the end of the link that directs you to the resource.

In this example, the last part of the URL "?pg-origsite=primo" is replaced with the 'Customer ID' "/?accountid=45364"

Format Example
Old format https://www.proquest.com/docview/1806130694?pq-origsite=primo
New format https://www.proquest.com/docview/1806130694?accountid=45364

Need help?

Need help linking to resources? Contact our Unit Readings team by email at UnitReadings@federation.edu.au