New Link Resolver FAQ
What is a link resolver?

A link resolver is a tool that locates and presents the the full-text of an article from a database (PubMed, CINAHL, IPA) citation.  HSLIC chose EBSCO's LinkSource as the vendor.

How does a link resolver work?

Link resolvers function because of the NISO OpenURL standard. The OpenURL standard supports the process of retrieving full-text when a patron selects an article citation in a database. Information from the article - the author, title, date, volume, issue, pages, etc. - is transformed into a URL that queries a database of library holdings. If the information in the URL matches the information in the database the ‘appropriate copy’ of the full-text article is delivered to your desktop. For more information see: http://www.exlibrisgroup.com/sfx_openurl.htm.

Why did you choose May 10 to launch this service?

It is difficult to find the perfect time to introduce a new service on this busy campus! We chose May 10 because it is near the end of Spring 2006 semester so that not to interfere with finals, yet far enough ahead of the completion of the current School of Medicine block. We also wanted to get the product up before the arrival of new students and residents.

Why change services at all?

HSLIC has used the GoldRush link resolver (aka eJournal Finder) since it was implemented by UNM University Libraries in 2005. GoldRush is a good product, but based on HSLIC patron comments in surveys and in person, we realize you want more.  To serve you better HSLIC has adopted the 'one-click' philosophy.  We want you to go from citation to full-text in one mouse-click.  This is not possible in GoldRush as it does not link directly to the article full-text.  Generally, you must locate the full-text after being presented with a GoldRush screen.  We hope you experience the 'one-click' philosophy in action and agree that our service has improved.

What databases use LinkSource?

Currently, LinkSource functions in PubMed, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Health Literature), and IPA (International Pharmaceutical Abstracts). We will investigate adding this linking technology to other databases as appropriate.

What will look different on the databases?

PubMed search results will appear visually the same as in the past. If full-text is available, a teal-colored full-text icon appears in the article citation. Simply click on this icon to retrieve the article full-text.

However, CINAHL and IPA will require the patron to check for full-text availability in each citation (same as now) . To do this, click on the “Check for Full-Text” link below the desired article to find whether or not HSLIC licenses the full-text. If full-text is available the article will appear. If full-text is not available, LinkSource will present a screen with links to the main campus eJournal Finder, the HSLIC catalog (for print), and HSLIC Interlibrary Loan.

Who can I contact to report an error?

We realize that all systems are not perfect!  If you encounter an error, please fill out the error form: http://hsc.unm.edu/library/webforms/linkerror.shtml.  We will analyze the error and report to you.