Libraries

Library Direct: Usage Notes

Use this syntax to create a database link: 
                  http://www.wiu.edu/library/direct/?[short/long code]
Example: http://www.wiu.edu/library/direct/?ArtAbstracts
Concise and Memorable
Due to their brevity, Library Direct URLs are perfect for use in emails, syllabi and other contexts where cumbersome URLs tend to "wrap" and cause formatting difficulties. Library Direct URLs are easy to cite, remember and use.
Remote Access Automatically Enabled
Library Direct URLs are automatically routed through the library's proxy server, so WIU-affiliated users at off-campus locations can connect via ECOM username/password.
Persistent URLs (PURLs)
Library Direct URLs can be inserted into "static" documents since they are classed as "Persistent URLs" (PURLs). These URLs are expected to remain stable for as long as the library subscribes to the associated database.
Shortcode Guidelines
Shortcode abbreviations are based on the database's "given name" (as shown on the library's alphabetical list of databases). Shortcode abbreviations are constructed as follows:
  • A three-letter code (e.g., ART, BIO, PSY), based on the primary subject/description of the database found in its title (unless a common/"natural" acronym supercedes -- for example: ATLA, ERIC, JSTOR). Shortcodes may depart from these norms to enhance clarity, "memorability" &/or differentiation due to the large number of available databases.
  • Shortcodes tend NOT to include abbreviations for "Abstracts" or "Indexes" ("A" or "I"), instead favoring an abbreviation of the major subject/description of the database.
  • Databases having multiple search platforms are identified with a lowercase identifier. For example: ERIC via FirstSearch (default) = ERIC; ERIC via EBSCO = ERICe.
  • UPPER and lowercase characters may be used interchangeably.
Longname Guidelines
"Longnames" match closely, letter for letter, the database's "given name" (based on the library's alphabetical list of databases.
  • Use "and" instead of the ampersand (&) symbol.
  • Omit all spaces and symbols including: periods (.), commas (,), apostrophes ('), quotation marks ("), slashes (/), dashes (-), colons (:).
  • UPPER and lowercase characters may be used interchangeably.

Library Direct