Definition of a PURL: A PURL (a persistent uniform resource locator) is an intermediate WWW address, which directs users automatically to a specific Web address for a given resource. Once set up, a PURL never needs to be updated, though the URL to which it points may change.
Contact: Sally Lockwood
Unit: E-Resources
Date last updated: 08/13/15
Date of next review: June 2016
The following are general guidelines for determining if a PURL should be created for an electronic resource. If you are unsure about a particular resource, contact Peter Martinez or Sally Lockwood.
We will create PURLs for:
- Local digital collections (such as E-Commons or MediaSpace) at the collection level and item level.
- Resources approved to appear under Databases.
- Other resources at the discretion of the E-Resources unit.
- Please contact libit-l@cornell.edu to request or update a PURL.
We will not create PURLs for:
- Resources that already have persistent links. These include:
- Previously assigned PURLS. Generally, these will be US government documents with GPO PURLS.
- Links using the Handle System. These start with "hdl.handle.net".
- DOI links. These start with "dx.doi.org".
- Resources loaded from Serial Solutions. These have a 948 $hSerialSolutions in the Voyager record.
- Resources not directly or indirectly maintained by Cornell.