RESOURCE: Using OSU Library Permalinks for Course Readings

To support copyright compliance, maintain access to library‑licensed materials, and ensure digital accessibility, instructors should avoid downloading and uploading PDFs from library databases. Instead, use the OSU Library permalink for any article, book chapter, or resource you assign in your course.This article explains how to find permalinks and what to do if a reading is not available in the library system.

Overview

To support copyright compliance, maintain access to library‑licensed materials, and ensure digital accessibility, instructors should avoid downloading and uploading PDFs from library databases.

Instead, use the OSU Library permalink for any article, book chapter, or resource you assign in your course.

This article explains how to find permalinks and what to do if a reading is not available in the library system.

Why Use Permalinks Instead of PDFs?

Copyright

Library‑licensed PDFs often cannot legally be redistributed. Using permalinks ensures that access is provided within copyright and licensing terms.

Subscription Sustainability

Permalinks help the university track usage, which supports continued funding and renewal of journal and database subscriptions.

Accessibility

Many vendors provide accessible EPUB formats or improved PDF tagging through the library platform. Uploaded PDFs may lack OCR, tagging, or other important features for screen readers.

How to Find a Permalink

1. Locate the article, chapter, or resource in the OSU Libraries catalog or the database where it is hosted.
2. Look for terms such as Permalink, Stable URL, Permanent Link, or Share Link.
3. Copy that link and share it with your students.

If you're not sure whether your article is in the OSU Libraries system, you can try “proxifying” the link using the Linking to Library Licensed Resources LibGuide (Off‑Campus Linking Tool).

Video Guides

If the Reading Is Not Available Through the Library

If you cannot locate a library permalink, consider the following options:

1. Request the Library to Add It

You may recommend that OSU Libraries purchase or subscribe to the resource using the Recommend a Purchase form.

2. Use a PDF (with required steps)

If no library access is available and you plan to use a PDF:

Step 1: Complete a Fair Use Analysis

• Each reading needs its own analysis. Faculty can use the Health Sciences Library Fair Use Checklist.

Step 2: Ensure the PDF Is Accessible

• Before sharing the PDF, check:
  • Is it OCR’d?
  • Does it have tags?
• If not:
  • OCR the document
  • Reach out to go.osu.edu/copa11y for additional help in PDF tagging and remediation

Resources

• Copyright Best Practices for Teaching and Learning (TLRC article)
• Health Sciences Library Fair Use checklist
• Recommend a purchase form
• Check if a PDF has been OCR'ed
• Check if a PDF has tags
• Scan and OCR PDF
• Automatically tag PDFs