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Created by
user-91b72, last updated by Sally J. Lockwood on May 04, 2026
1 minute read
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: e-resources@cornell.edu
Unit: E-Resources
Date last reviewed:
Date of next review: June 2026
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, or have a suggestion, please contact Sally Lockwood.
We will create PURLs for:
- Local digital collections (such as Digital Collections and MediaSpace) at the collection level & title level.
- Resources approved by the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) for listing in Databases.
- Other resources at the discretion of the E-Resources unit.
- Please contact e-resources@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 Ebsco. The Ebsco records have a 948 $h EBSCO. All edits get overwritten in the subsequent record load.
- Resources not directly or indirectly maintained by Cornell.
Link to Library e-resources unit PURL Procedure (for e-resources staff.)