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Library Resources in Canvas

A guide for instructors about embedding library resources in Canvas courses

Create persistent links

The library offers many types of content that you can integrate directly into Canvas as course materials: articles, ebooks, videos, databases, research guides, FAQs, and more.

Integrating this content is best done using persistent links, not the URL in the browser window.

A persistent link (a.k.a. durable link, stable link, permalink) is a URL that connects directly to a specific full-text source in a library database or electronic journal subscription.

Different databases offer varying options for getting a persistent link to an item, depending on their interfaces.

Once obtained, a persistent link can then be added to Canvas as an "External URL" item.

Why link through the libraries?

  • Make use of the large, high quality collections of Temple University Libraries
  • Ensure all students (on-campus and off-campus) have access to the desired source
  • Eliminate the need to worry about potential copyright issues
  • Create a bridge for students to library research support services

Some examples

EBSCOhost

Select “Permalink,” copy the link from the pop-up window, and place in Canvas as an External URL

Getting a Permalink from EBSCOhost

ProQuest

Select “Cite,” copy the link from the pop-up window, and place in Canvas as an External URL

Getting a persistent URL from ProQuest

(Most) Ebooks found via Library Search

Select “Share link to book,” copy the link from the pop-up window, and place in Canvas as an External URL

Getting links from most e-books found in Library Search

Gale Databases

Select “Citation tools,” copy the link from the pop-up window, and place in Canvas as an External URL

Getting a persistent link from Gale database