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: 02 Jun 2025  

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.)