LibAnswers: Library FAQs
What is Perma.cc and how does it work?
Answer
Perma.cc is a service that helps prevent link rot. Use it to preserve the online sources you cite and to make those records accessible to your readers.
How does Perma.cc work?
You give Perma.cc the URL of the page you want to preserve and cite. The software visits that URL, preserves what's there, deposits it into the collection, and gives you a unique URL (e.g. "perma.cc/ABCD-1234") - a "Perma Link" - that points to the record in the collection.
You then can use that Perma Link in your citation to give readers access to a stable, accurate record of the source you referenced, even if the original disappears from the web.
Get Started
Go to https://perma.cc/
Login using the sign in button in the upper right hand corner
Go to Create a Permalink
Paste your URL and click Create Perma Link
NOTE: Sometimes there is a problem with Perma being able to capture all the needed data to create a Perma link. In this case, best practice is to upload a PDF for sites that are problematic.
While at https://perma.cc/manage/create, press the "Create Perma Link" button WITHOUT specifying a URL. The error message ("URL cannot be empty") will include a button to "upload your own archive." Just specify a title and URL and upload a JPEG, PNG, or PDF of the page that you'd like to archive.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to create a Perma link from a PDF.