Objectives
Identify and repair broken links using the LibGuides Link Checker.
Dismiss repaired links from the Link Checker report
What kind of resources do you need?
To carry out these activities, you need a LibApps user account with access to LibGuides. All Oakton Librarians have this kind of LibApps account.
Description of activities
Navigate the LibGuides command bar; locate and display the Link Checker report.
Edit the broken or unreachable links assets that you own.
Overview
What is Link Checker?
The Link Checker tool provides us with a report of broken or unreachable links in LibGuide database assets, link assets, and sometimes book assets (links to catalog records). Although it cannot check links in rich text boxes, it’s an important tool for maintaining up-to-date, effective, and credible LibGuides.
In this Link Checker lesson, we will identify and edit broken links and dismiss repaired or “false positive” links.
How often does it run?
Springshare runs the Link Checker every 30 minutes.
Who can use it?
Although regular account holders can see every link listed in the report, they can only modify links that they own.
Link Checker - A Brief Video Lesson
Update: In the years since creating this video, I ceased thinking of 8+ minutes as "brief" for how-to info. Grab a cup of coffee and tune in. It won't hurt a bit.
- Transcript for Link Checker - A Brief Video LessonTime indexed transcript in plain text format. Opens up in a new window.
Additional resources
- Springshare: How the link checker worksIf you would like to learn more about Link Checker, take a look at this handy overview from Springshare Support.
- Printable Link Checker InstructionsInstructions from this very guide reformatted as a convenient 2 page document.
Step 1: View the Link Checker report
- Log into https://oakton.libapps.com with your LibApps username/password.
- Select "LibGuides" from the blue drop-down menu in the orange command bar.
- Select "Link Checker" from the "Tools" drop-down menu.
- Underneath a block of text (definitely worth reading if you are so inclined), you will find a report listing currently broken/unreachable links. If you are a regular account holder (not an admin), you only have editing rights for the links you own.
Step 2: Dismissing Links
- Check the "Owner" column. Your name appears next to the broken links that belong to you.
- Before taking action, test each of the links that belong to you. (In real life, if your name doesn't appear in the "Owner" column, congratulations!)
- If a link is performing as you wish (also known as a "false positive"), you can dismiss it from the current report with the trash can icon
in the "Actions" column. Please note that this does not delete the link itself.
in the "Actions" column. Please note that this does not delete the link itself.
Step 3: Editing broken links
- Did you find a broken link that belongs to you? This is where you use your everyday librarian sleuthing skills to find the new URL.
- To edit a link, select the Edit icon
in the “Asset” column.
in the “Asset” column.
- Edit the link and save the changes.
- Use the trash can icon in the “Actions” column (as in Step 2) to dismiss the now modified link from the report.