Linking to Library Resources

Link Instructions | Proxy Link Converter | D2L Information | Assistance

In order to reliably return directly to the same article or video in one of the library's databases, you need to use that item's stable link (also known as a persistent link, permanent link, or document link).

Unfortunately, database vendors vary in the names they use for stable links or where these links are located on article and video pages.

Detailed linking instructions for our most popular databases are provided in the following list:

Link Instructions for Popular Databases

Link instructions for other databases

Britannica Academic
Business Insights: Global (Gale)
Credo Reference
EBSCO MegaFile: Follow the instructions for Academic Search Premier
Ethnic NewsWatch: Follow the instructions for Nursing & Allied Health
Gale Literature Databases: Follow the instructions for Academic OneFile (Gale)
Gale eBooks: Follow the instructions for Academic OneFile (Gale)
General OneFile (Gale): Follow the instructions for Academic OneFile (Gale)
Health & Wellness (Gale): Follow the instructions for Academic OneFile (Gale)
Health & Medicine (Gale OneFile): Follow the instructions for Academic OneFile (Gale)
Gale Literature Resource Center: Follow the instructions for Academic OneFile (Gale)
MasterFile Complete: Follow the instructions for Academic Search Premier
Medical Database: Follow the instructions for ProQuest Nursing & Allied Health
NewsBank
Oxford Music Online
Points of View Reference Center: Follow the instructions for Academic Search Premier
ProQuest Historical Newspapers: The New York Times: Follow the instructions for ProQuest News & Newspapers
Science Reference Center: Follow the instructions for Academic Search Premier

Stable links are not necessarily permanent. Databases sometimes change their web addresses, so please retest your links periodically.

Proxy Link Converter

If you need a stable link that will allow Normandale users off-campus access to an article or video in one of the library's databases, you will need to make sure that the link URL begins with the library's proxy code https://ndcproxy.mnpals.net/login?url= or includes ndcproxy.mnpals.net somewhere in the URL.

Some databases already include the proxy code in their stable links; other databases do not.

If needed, use this form to add the library's proxy code to your stable link:

PROXY LINK CONVERTER FORM


2. Click Create Link:  


Remember to test your new link!

When accessing stable links from off campus, you will be directed to log in as a Normandale user before viewing the article or video.

D2L Brightspace Information
Updated 6/26/18

Below are several copyright-compliant ways to add library-provided content to D2L courses. Uploading content directly into D2L Brightspace (e.g. cut and paste, PDF files) may be a violation of copyright.

Ways to Add Library Resources to D2L

Link Topics - Content Area

  1. Obtain a stable URL to the content and add the Library's proxy code if necessary (see above).
  2. In the Content area of D2L, click on the Upload/Create drop-down and select Create a Link.
    (Note: Do not use the Upload/Create Video or Audio option to link to library resources.)
    The Upload/Create drop down menu choices including the create a link choice
  3. In the New Link pop-up box, enter the title of the link and then enter the URL. Click Create.
    Screenshot of New Link box
The result in the Content area:
The link topic result as it appears in the Content area of D 2 L

Links Area

  1. Obtain a stable URL to the content and add the Library's proxy code if necessary (see above).
  2. In the Materials menu, select Links.
    Links listing selected in D 2 L Materials menu
  3. Click New Link.
    Screenshot of manage links page with New Link button selected
  4. In the New Link form, select a category or create a new one if needed. Enter the title of the link and the URL. Add a description or note if desired. Click Save.
    screenshot of New Link form fields
The result in the Links area:
Screenshot of student view of Links page shows link titles and descriptions

Page, Post & News Item Links

  1. Obtain a stable URL to the content and add the Library's proxy code if necessary (see above).
  2. Click Insert Stuff in any area that allows the editing toolbar.
    screenshot of editing toolbar showing insert stuff button
  3. In the pop-up box, select Insert Link from the left-hand column, enter the URL, and click Next.
    Screenshot of Insert Stuff box with Insert Link option selected
  4. Enter your custom link text and click Insert.
    Screenshot of Insert Link properties box

Embed Films on Demand Videos

Streaming videos from the Films on Demand database may be either linked to (as described above) or embedded directly into D2L.

Films on Demand videos embedded through the Films on Demand option in the Insert Stuff tool are playable in D2L without any additional authentication.

We recommend also providing a link to the video on the Films on Demand website as a back up any time you embed a video.
 

  1. Click Insert Stuff in any area that allows the editing toolbar.
    screenshot of editing toolbar showing insert stuff button
  2. Select Films on Demand from the options in the left-hand column, search for the video you want, and click Embed to select the correct video from the search results.
    Screenshot of Insert Link box with Films on Demand selected to show video search and results
  3. Click Insert to finish embedding the video.
    Screenshot of Films on Demand properties box showing preview of embedded video