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Troubleshooting library eresources

Tips for accessing Camosun Library eresources such as ejournals, ebooks, databases, streaming videos on or off campus.

Camosun proxy prefix (Dec 2025)

December 2025: Camosun proxy prefix is changing!

On Tuesday, Dec.9, 2025 the URL for the Camosun Library proxy server will change from libsecure.camosun.bc.ca to libsecure.camosun.ca

While plans are in place to update and redirect existing library permalinks, this may result in broken links or security warnings. Library staff are working with ITS to minimize disruption, and appreciate your patience. We ask that you modify any existing permalinks that include the libsecure prefix.

The new Camosun Library proxy prefix will be:  

https://libsecure.camosun.ca/login?url=

Instructors

If you have library permalinks in D2L, reading lists, or other course material, you will need to update them. Links should be tested on and off campus!

Questions?

If you have questions, please reach out to your Subject librarian or email bryang@camosun.ca

To report a broken link, you can also use our Trouble report form.

Camosun proxy prefix

Camosun proxy prefix

Persistent links to Camosun's licensed eresources should start with the following string of characters, known as our proxy prefix:

https://libsecure.camosun.ca/login?url=

This prompts you to log in or authenticate via EZproxy using your Camosun domain account (C# + password).

TIP: If you are having trouble logging in to library databases remotely, check whether the link you are using includes the Camosun proxy prefix.

About permalinks

About permalinks

Permalinks (also called persistent links or stable URLs) point to specific articles, journals, ebooks, or search results within library research databases. They allow authorized users to access licensed resources on or off campus. Permalinks can be used within teaching materials, SharePoint, D2L, email or reference lists.

Basic permalink structure

[Camosun proxy prefix] + [database URL] + [unique resource ID or search string]

Example

https://libsecure.camosun.ca/login?url=https://canadacommons.ca/artifacts/1874020/spotted-owls/2623017/

*Not all databases provide persistent links in the correct format. Be sure to TEST permalinks on and off campus before sharing them!  Please contact the library if you have questions.

IMPORTANT: Changes to EBSCO permalinks (August 2024)

With the August 14, 2024, launch of the updated interface for the EBSCO Discovery Service, known at Camosun as Single Search, you can say goodbye to those pesky permalinks! 

Browser URLs are now stable, making it even easier to share or bookmark articles and other research resources. The new URL has the Camosun proxy prefix information already included and will start with:

https://research.ebsco.com/c/vsabqu

IMPORTANT! this only applies to EBSCO URLs, not those in external sources found through Full Text Finder links. If in doubt, ask a librarian!

DOIs and permalinks

A DOI (Digital Object Identifier) is a type of permanent link often used to identify articles in online journals. It is generally found at the top of the article itself, or within the citation or abstract. Some of our providers who use DOIs include: SAGE Publications, Oxford Journals Online, ScienceDirect, Springer, Wiley, and more!

If you (or your students) will be accessing the article off campus using a DOI, you will need to add the Camosun Library proxy prefix to the article DOI to allow proper authentication. The resource must also be configured in EZproxy. Contact the Systems Librarian if you have questions about a specific resource.

To create a link using a DOI:

  1. Copy the DOI provided for the article into your document.
  2. Add https://dx.doi.org/ to the front of the DOI.
  3. Add the following string exactly as is (no spaces!) to the front of the URL:

https://libsecure.camosun.ca/login?url=

The completed link should look something like this: 

https://libsecure.camosun.ca/login?url=https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/089431849901200401

 

Camosun Library permalink with proxy prefix, DOI prefix and DOI in labelled sections

 

Best Practices for Permalinks

Checking or creating permalinks? Follow these recommended guidelines:

  • links to articles, ebooks, streaming media or other licensed library resources should always begin with the Camosun Library proxy prefix.
    • https://libsecure.camosun.ca/login?=
  • avoid hyphenated URLs
    • Example: https://canadacommons-ca.libsecure.camosun.ca/artifacts/1874020
      • Should be changed to: https://libsecure.camosun.ca/login?url=https://canadacommons.ca/artifacts/1874020
  • link as close to the full text as possible
    • Example: You discover an abstract of an article in Single Search but the link to the full article leads you to ScienceDirect. Use the ScienceDirect link.
  • test your permalinks off campus