In the major databases, don't copy the web address you see in your browser as you are looking at your list of search results. It is usually only good for the current database session you are in. So it won't work for anyone else, or when you want to get back to your work in the future. But many library databases will let you create a link to your search query, which you can post in Canvas, share for a group project, retrieve again later, or give to a student in LibChat. The screenshots below show you where to find this permanent link.
LibSearch (also other EBSCOHost databases, such as Academic Search Premier, CINAHL & ERIC):
Look for a Share button on the top right of your list of results. You must click "Welcome Guest" (in the yellow bar on top of the page) first so you are logged in to see it.
The last item in the Share dropdown is a Permalink that you can copy and paste to rerun your search.
LibSearch - individual record
From the list of results select the article you want the use and open it by clicking on the hyperlinked title. When the record loads, look for the "tools" on the right side and click on the "Permalink" icon. The permanent link to this record will appear above the title.
ProQuest (such as ABI/Inform, Criminal Justice, ProQuest Central & Psychology databases):
Look for a Save Search/Alert link on the top right of your list of results. Click on the last item in the dropdown list to get a search link that you can copy and paste to rerun your search.
ProQuest - individual record:
Once you click on the title of an individual article, look to the top, far right for "All Options" icon (3 dots):
Click on it, and the persistent URL will be in the top box next to a link icon for you to copy:
Note to Faculty - the Saved Search links from ProQuest databases are only good for one (1) year, so you should get a new one if it is posted in a Canvas course that you are updating more than a year later.