Library Bulletin

October 1998

A NEW INFORMATION INTERFACE IN THE LIBRARY!
By Mary Doherty, Julie Semkow, and Dr. Richard Winant

Q. Why has the Library created this new interface?
A. To provide a web-based, information resource which showcases, in easily accessible format, the library's offerings, including the online catalog, electronic journals, both in-house and outside Internet links, new databases, and library services, policies, hours, etc.  Also included are offerings in the LRC: curriculum software and electronic textbook holdings, tutorials, and internet access.  The interface is meant to be a learning tool, introducing the user to all our resources.

Q. Why don't we have text-based OVID anymore?
A. Only the web-based interface easily enables us to access full text journals, a feature highly desirable to our users.  The Web is the dominant information delivery system today and future library upgrades of databases, interfaces and software need to conform to Web-based access.

Q. Where is Medline in the new interface?
A. Click on Literature Searching and choose OVID for the Library's standard version.  You can also choose the National Library of Medicine's PubMed, or access Medline via the First Search database.

Q. Do the new resources provide non-medical information?
A. Yes, InfoTrac, First Search, Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe and the Grolier Encyclopedia may answer your needs.

Q. How can I get consumer health information for my patients?
A. Both the InfoTrac and First Search databases have consumer health information.  You may also make an appointment with Librarian Don Dederick (x 7452, 10am - 4 pm, M - F) to use the Library's Consumer Health Room with its additional databases and texts.  Health Reference Center (First Search) has full-text materials.

During the Fall Semester, the Library will be offering the following seminars:

WWW01: Browser Basics uses Netscape Navigator to explore Web pages, searching vs. browsing, and the HSCB Library's Web-based databases.
30-minute demonstration/30-minute Q & A
Offered Monday, November 2, noon to 1:00

The following sessions assume a basic familiarity with any WWW Browser.  If you have never used a WWW Browser, please register for WWW01 first.

WWW02: ONLINE COMMUNITIES: (E-MAIL, LISTSERVS AND NEWSGROUPS) offers attendees the opportunity to learn how the Internet serves as an online forum for discussions of all types.  The seminar features hands-on practice on how to use Web-based e-mail and select/join online discussion groups.
90 minutes
Offered Monday, December 21, 2:00 to 3:30

WWW03: FINDING HEALTH RESOURCES ON THE INTERNET is a virtual tour of health sciences resources selected by HSCB librarians from the WWW, with tips for finding and evaluating sites on your own.  90-minute hands-on seminar.
Offered Monday, November 23, 1:00 to 2:30

WWW04: WEB SEARCHING TECHNIQUES offers an overview of search engines, search indexes, and search strategies, using examples on how to evaluate health and consumer education resources.  30 min lecture/30 min hands-on practice.
For a more in-depth class on identifying health-related Web Sites, see WWW03.
Offered Thursday, November 12, 3:30 to 4:30
and Monday, November 16, 3:30 to 4:30

ALSO AVAILABLE: INTERNET USERS GROUP
A Librarian will kick of f the meeting with Web "tips" and will moderate the session - taking questions from the audience on anything that has been puzzling you about the Web.  Bring your own brown bag lunch (if you wish).  60 Minutes.
Offered Monday, November 9, noon to 1
NOTE: THIS SESSION WILL BE HELD IN LECTURE HALL 1B IN THE HEALTH EDUCATION BUILDING.  REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED.

Friday, October 16: 1:15 to 2:15
Tuesday, October 20: 12:15 to 1:15
Wednesday: October 21: 5:15 to 6:15
Friday, November 6: 12:15 to 1:15
Tuesday, November 17: 5:15 to 6:15
Monday, November 30: 4:00 to 5:00

From October 1 to November 31, the Library will demonstrate a new product: Electronic collections ONline database, offered by OCLC, containing the full text of over 900 academic and professional journals.  Check out the designated workstation on the first floor of the Library.