Linking FAQ

Persistent URLs or "shortcuts"

1) Where can I find the best URL to use if I want to make a "persistent" link to a MIT Libraries web page?: See http://libraries.mit.edu/shortcuts
2) Since many of the database URLs in Vera are long, complex and changing, what's the best way to link to one of them?: See http://libraries.mit.edu/vera-shortcuts
3) How can I create a link to a book or other item in the Barton catalog and have that link continue to work?: Barton URLs have "session IDs" in them that needs to be stripped out in order for them to continue to work over time. See this page on Linking Directly to a record in Barton.
4) How can I create persistent links to online articles rather than posting full text?: See http://libraries.mit.edu/article-linking
5) How can I link to an item in MIT's DSpace?: Look for the sample "handle" on the page you want to bookmark: http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/31204; Items in DSpace have persistent URI's or "handles." These persistent urls are registered with the Handle System, a comprehensive system for assigning, managing, and resolving persistent identifiers, known as "handles," for digital objects and other resources on the Internet. The Handle System is administered by the Corporation for National Research Initiatives (CNRI).
6) Why is this so complicated? :): Many of our systems are not yet designed with permanent links built in. We would like to move in that direction for the future.

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