Linking to a URL

To link a URL to a bibliographic record:

  1. Retrieve a bibliographic record.
  2. Choose Go | Media.
  3. Add a new media set.
  4. At the bottom of the Display panel, choose the Link URL button.
  5. In the Link URL dialog box, enter the entire URL to which you want to create a link, including the http:// prefix. If your site supports External Image Linking, this dialog box includes a field that allows you to specify a thumbnail for the URL. Enter the URL for the thumbnail image, and then choose OK.
  6. Check the URL you entered by choosing Launch Associated Application. Media Management launches the application you have associated with URLs through your PC's operating system.
  7. Choose the Save button in the toolbar to save your changes to the bibliographic record.
Importing or Linking to URLs

Media Management allows you to import a file from a specified URL or simply provide a link to that URL. When you import a URL, Sierradownloads the file from the specified location to your server. When you link to a URL, the system simply adds the address to your catalog record. When a user clicks the media link in the WebPAC, the system forwards the browser to the specified URL.

Importing and linking each have advantages. If you import a URL, your media link will work even if the URL becomes invalid, such as when a website is redesigned or closes. However, importing a file requires more storage space on your server. Importing video files, for example, can require substantial disc space. Linking to a video file's URL conserves disc space on your server, though the link could become obsolete and require updating or removal.