def proxy_parameter_for_requests(proxy_url_or_direct):
    """
    :param str proxy_url_or_direct: Proxy URL, or ``DIRECT``. Cannot be empty.
    :return: Value for use with the ``proxies`` parameter in Requests.
    :rtype: dict
    """
    if proxy_url_or_direct == 'DIRECT':
        # This stops Requests from inheriting environment proxy settings.
        proxy_url_or_direct = None
    return {
        'http': proxy_url_or_direct,
        'https': proxy_url_or_direct,
    }