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 reviewed: 06/07/2016 

Date of next review: June 2017  

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 Serials Solutions. These have a 948 $hSerialSolutions in the Voyager record.
• Resources not directly or indirectly maintained by Cornell.