Monday 19 November 2012

Library fines changed in 2013

From the start of Semester 1 2013, Monday 18th February, the fine buffer will be set at $30. All other aspects of the Library Loans Policy will remain the same. The decision has come about after analysing overdue reports and comparing other universities' lending policies.

The new arrangement allows fines up to an amount of $29 to accrue within a set period without payment. The timeframe for the fine buffer is from the start of one semester to the start of the next semester (inclusive of the mid-year and Christmas breaks). Once $30 has been reached all accrued fines must be paid in full.

The fine buffer will continue to be monitored to ensure maximum access to library resources for all students.

Thursday 8 November 2012

Stocktake & semester break opening times

From Monday 3rd December 2013 the campus libraries and learning centres will be reducing their opening hours until the commencement of Semester 1, 2013. Also during the first week of December there will be a stocktake of the library collection. There will be a reduction of some services, but no interruption to computer access, printing, borrowing and especially returns.

Ensure all your items are returned before you go on holidays as fines accrue till the beginning of Semester 1 2013, and results will be withheld if there's outstanding fines.

The libraries will be closed for the 2 week Christmas/New Year period, from FRIDAY 21 December, opening on MONDAY 7 January 2013.

The campus opening hours are listed in LibGuides under the About tab. Service as usual during those hours. Wishing you excellent results and a restful and enjoyable break from your studies during the festive season.

Tuesday 23 October 2012

New Australian Indigenous Medicine Subject Guide

Resources related to natural medicine used by Australian Aborigines have been collated on LibGuides under the Subject Guides list. It was created by Stephen Barnett and a UniSA Library Studies student Jana Herber during a placement at the Adelaide Campus Library.

Having these resources grouped in one place is a great bonus as they are sometimes difficult to locate. Check it out! It may be relevant to your History of Healing or Herbal Medicine subjects.

Wednesday 17 October 2012

Free 'Natural Standard' app

Attend a Natural Standard training session during October and November and receive a FREE 12 month subscription* to the Natural Standard mobile app.


Natural Standard provides evidence-based, peer-reviewed and decision-support tools for integrative therapies. It is a massive collection of information that is an essential tool for every student.
 
To name a few areas...
  •  Monographs on all topics imaginable, including:
    • Therapeutic modalities - eg. acupuncture
    • Foods, herbs & supplements
    • Medical conditions
    • Sports medicine
  • Checkers
  • Interactive tools
  • Calculators
Find Natural Standard on LibGuides Quick Links
 
Contact your campus library staff to learn how to effectively use Natural Standard
and receive your mobile app NOW!
 
* Many thanks to Aaron Morse from Natural Standard for his generosity in providing the Skyscape access.
 
 
 


Mobile apps page on LibGuides

Go the the Find tab on LibGuides to find the Mobile apps page. We know that students are making good use of apps, so feel free to share your recommendations. Thanks Jimi and Stacey for your suggestions.

We'll keep updating the page, so keep checking for any new additions.

Library Survey winners

Congratulations to Joanne in Sydney and Ariane in Melbourne who both won $50 book vouchers from the Endeavour Bookstore. And a big thank you to our Sydney and Melbourne students who took time out of their busy schedule to do the survey. We REALLY appreciate your feedback.  Thank you for all the kind comments and suggestions.

Tuesday 18 September 2012

Mobile apps

Are you using any mobile apps that you find helpful for your study, either content or a study aid?

Please let us know, so we can add them to a LibGuide page we're developing.

Post a comment with the details or contact the Virtual Librarian. Thanks.

Sunday 9 September 2012

New printing solution in Sydney

Online purchase of print credits and using the student ID card to release print jobs is active in Sydney from Tuesday 11 September. See http://endeavour.libguides.com/content.php?pid=288570&sid=2372696 for more info.


Tuesday 21 August 2012

Online videos

550 video titles from Counseling & Therapy in Video I & II have been loaded onto the eLibrary (library catalogue). You can do a Basic search on 'video' to see the long list, or specific titles may appear in keyword searches.  These videos will help you to see, experience, and study counselling through a multitude of different approaches.

When clicking the Visit new URL: http://ezproxy.endeavour.edu.au:2048/login?url=http://www.alexanderstreet2.com/ctiv button, you will be taken to the Endeavor e-resources login page. Once onto the video database homepage, you have the option to BROWSE the full list of titles or do a keyword SEARCH.

Another great online video resource is Speaking from experience (RealTime Health) which can also be found on the eLibrary. Although the 400+ titles have not been individually entered onto our catalogue yet.

Speaking from experience is videos of real people discussing the most common medical conditions presenting in clinic. A huge variety of topics are covered ranging from anxiety, bipolar disorder, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, migraine, etc. The interviews provide a basic understanding of how the conditions affect individuals' lives.

Alternately you can access both these video collections via the LibGuides Quick Links.

Tuesday 7 August 2012

Visible Body 3D Human Anatomy Atlas

VISIBLE BODY 3D Human Anatomy Atlas is this months 'Database of the Month'.
Learn anatomy by interacting with the models. You can turn, zoom in and out and choose what you want included.

It takes a while to download the startup software to your computer the first time, but should be much quicker after that. It is an awesome tool.

Look out for training sessions on your campus, or wait for the video recording of the sessions at a later date.







Tuesday 24 July 2012

Student Technology Survey 2012 RESULTS


Thank you for completing the Student Technology Survey 2012. We really value your feedback and will be using the results to ensure we serve you even better.

508 students responded, an increase from 320 in 2011. 248 students entered the draw for an eBook Reader which was won by a Perth Remedial Massage student. Overall, the profile of a typical Endeavour student's use of technology was similar to 2011 with a few exceptions, even though the sample size was much larger.

Survey Finding: (2011 results in brackets)
  • Students participating: on-campus 41%, mixed: on & off campus 38% (70%, na)
  • Smart phone ownership 72% (57%)
  • Laptop ownership 88% (85%)
  • Internet access 98% (98%)
  • Regularly uses Facebook 81% (81%)
  • Regularly uses library online databases 70% (71%)
  • Digital tablet eg iPad ownership 21% (23%)
  • DO NOT own a mobile phone 3% (2%)
  • NO NOT own a desktop computer 58% (54%)
  • NEVER bring laptop on-campus 28% (48%)
  • Uses Twitter 10% (14%)
  • Uses Skype 45% (na)
  • Accesses email daily 70%, often 27% (na)
  • DO NOT use social networking sites 12% (21%)
  • Uses the college WiFi 64% (53%)
  • Finds easy to use: LMS 91%, eLibrary 63%, LibGuides 61%
The major change was the increase of on-campuse use of laptops and associated use of the Endeavour WiFi. Also of significance was the increased ownership of smart phones and use of social networking sites; facebook most popular. Some students provided comments on using their smartphones to access their coursework and many listed specific mobile apps, particularly free communication and hosting services (photos, audio, blogs, etc).

The results identified some improvement areas that we have already begun to address.
  1. Work towards a single login for all Endeavour online services. Our services are separately housed and do not necssarily talk to each other but we will be trying to simplify the login as a high priority.
  2. Embed library links (LibGuides, tutorials and eLibrary) in coursework and the LMS.
  3. Investigate relevant library apps.
Thank you again again for your participation and we appreciate your feedback.

Tuesday 17 July 2012

TRIAL: The Video Journal of Counseling and Therapy

From today through 16th August 2012, all students and staff may access The Video Journal of Counseling and Therapy by logging on and selecting the title at  http://ezproxy.endeavour.edu.au:2048/login?url=http://www.alexanderstreet2.com/ctiv.

The Video Journal of Counseling and Therapy is the definitive streaming video collection of the very latest in research and best practice methods in the fields of counseling, mental health, and psychology. The collection contains contemporary presentations, lectures, and workshops from renowned researchers and clinicians, such as Donald Meichenbaum, Daniel Amen, and Jon Kabat-Zinn.


Much like traditional, text-based academic journals, The Video Journal of Counseling and Therapy will provide the most up-to-date content in counseling and psychology with a focus on studies, trends, techniques, and outcomes all added to the collection the same year they are filmed. The videos are designed for psychotherapy professionals and very long in duration.

For general help, including navigation instructions and search tips, click HERE.

Sunday 3 June 2012

Scientific & Medical ART Imagebase


This month’s database is… SMART: Scientific and Medical Art Imagebase which can be accessed by logging on to our EBSCO link on LibGuides. It is created by Nucleus Medical Media and currently has a collection of over 20,000 medical illustrations, videos, interactive tools and monographs of anatomy, physiology, embryology, surgery, trauma, pathology, diseases, conditions and other topics.  The resources are updated constantly.

You can access this database via: http://endeavour.libguides.com/home
via Quick links – EBSCO databases

Please contact Library staff about information sessions on this database at your campus.

DATABASE OF THE MONTH program

Each month we will be promoting one of our subscribed e-resources to give you an opportunity to learn more about these great resources. Short training sessions may be available during lunch breaks and/or handouts. The program to date is:

Scientific & Medical Art Imagebase - June/July
Visible Body - August
Natural Standard - September
CINAHL & MEDLINE Complete - October

Contact your local Learning Centre/Library to find out more details.

Sunday 20 May 2012

Think outside the book

This week, 20-26 May 2012 is Library & Information Week.

Australian libraries' interests are represented by ALIA, Australian Library and Information Association

Endeavour campus libraries and Learning Centres are here to support you in your studies. Drop-in sessions are available to assist you with your use of e-resources and booksales of discarded items have been held on a few campuses this month.

Drop in and wish your favourite librarian a Happy Library & Information Week!

Tuesday 8 May 2012

eReader Winner

Thank you to all who participated in our 2012 Student Technology Survey. 508 students completed the survey, while 248 entered the draw to win an eReader. Our winner was Perth student, Bettina Cook, an international student from Ireland. Bettina has been working towards completing her Certificate IV IN Massage Practice and was delighted to win.
"I'm so excited. I will use this for my reading pleasure...oh, and definitely for my studies while I'm at Endeavour" was Bettina's response.

The prize was a WiFi eReader which holds up to 1000 books and reads like real print. The built-in WiFi lets you shop and update your library from any hotspot. Bettina will be able to enjoy her Kobo eBooks on any device by downloading free Kobo apps onto a laptop, itouch, PCs, Macs, Android, smartphones or a tablet.

We look forward to your support again next year.

Friday 4 May 2012

MOSTER BOOK SALES during MAY

Melbourne, Gold Coast and Brisbane campuses will be holding Book Sales during May. Although the books have been removed from our collections for newer editions, or items in better condition, there may be something of interest to you.
Melbourne - Mondays 7th, 14th, 21th and 28May
Gold Coast - Wednesday 9th May
Brisbane - Monday - Wednesday 14th, 15th, 16th May
Please bring a bag for your purchases.

Thursday 19 April 2012

2012 Student Technology Survey CLOSED


Help us to understanding your use of technology by completing the online survey before Friday 4 May.

In 2011 we found out that
  • 57% of students had smart phones
  • 85% had laptops
  • 98% had internet access
  • 80% use Facebook
  • 77% use our online databases
  • 23% had digital tablets, eg iPads
Your information will help us ensure the services we provide meet your expectations and assist with our planning. 

Click on the LibGuides Survey graphic to get started. As a reward for helping us you can enter the draw for an e-book reader. 


Wednesday 4 April 2012

Help with e-resources

You can book a session with a librarian if you want help learning how to use a particular database or online resource, eg e-books, Natural Standard, CINAHL, Mendeley, etc.

Many classes and students attended information sessions during the first weeks of semester, but if you missed out or are an online student you may like to contact your local campus and book a session with the librarian.

Also look out for posters on campus advertising drop in sessions or tutorials offered by the librarians.

Wednesday 7 March 2012

Counseling & Therapy in Video expanded trial

Till Easter we're trialing CTIV volume 2 which brings the total number of videos you can access to over 600. To access Counseling & Therapy in Video go to LibGuides Quick Links. 

CTIV2 has been combined with our existing subscription, so start searching now and give us your feedback. Is it useful, helps explain concepts, confusing, etc? Will it add value to our existing e-resources?

Go to http://ctiv.alexanderstreet.com/help for navigation and search tips.

Mendeley training

Endeavour Learning Centres and campus libraries are providing short sessions to help you get started with the Mendeley citation software. Times and frequency VARIES BETWEEN CAMPUSES. Contact your campus librarian for local details.

Monday 27 February 2012

Public Holiday opening hours

The Learning Centres and campus libraries are usually open 10 am - 2 pm on state and local holidays to allow essential borrowing and printing for those students with scheduled classes. Some variations may occur so look out for posters or phone on the day. All campuses are closed on national public holidays.

Library Client Survey 2011 provides direction on what students want

In October 2011, we received 528 valid responses to our online biennial Library Client Survey. There was an overall 5% increase in satisfaction from the 2009 results. The Library staff performance ranked highest at 80% and Facilities and equipment ranked lowest at 65.4%, although when compared with the 40 other participating university libraries in Australia and New Zealand (the sector), it was well within the benchmark rankings.  Three items disappeared from the Lowest Performance list which were all related to availability of curriculum related resources. 

A snapshot of the results included:

  • Communication was above the sector benchmarks
  • “A computer is available when I need one” ranked higher than most universities
  • Library staff performance scored exactly the same in the 2 years surveyed
  • Brisbane was the best performing library, then Adelaide, Gold Coast, Perth and Melbourne
  • The majority (65%) of respondent provided ‘Comments’; mainly suggestions for improvements or positive feedback; negative feedback was minimal
Areas identified for improvement were:
  • Individual study areas
  • Online resources
  • Opening hours
Each of the Campus Librarians is responsible for an Action Plan in response to the results and comments related to their campus. In Melbourne, there’s already been a new layout for the library to address some of the issues. The Libguides have been reorganised for easier navigation and opening hours for 2012 have been reviewed at each campus.
Thank you for your participation and we promise to continue to improve the library services. You don’t have to wait another 2 years to give us feedback on how we’re going, please use the Feedback option on ePortal or speak to a librarian.

Tuesday 21 February 2012

Melbourne Learning Centre open and looking forward to your feedback

The Melbourne Learning Centre reopened on Monday 20th February after some changes in layout and an increase in space.

Over the past few days there has been positive feeback from students. The computers are not as crowded and there is a tutorial room which can be booked for group work and will be available for silent study when not booked by classes or groups.

To access the WiFi you need to ask the staff for a code/login.

There's still a few tweaks that are required during this first step to improve your study environment.

Saturday 18 February 2012

Brisbane Learning Centre definitely open on Wednesday 22/2/2012

Library services will resume asap. Maybe Tuesday, definitely Wednesday. No library fines will accrue during closure or reduced service days.

We haven't been able to get everything in place. We had an ambitious timeframe and with 13,000 items plus the workstations, staff equipment, etc we've had to pinch another day or two to make sure that all the construction and moving equipment is removed and its a safe environment for students and staff.

I know there's be a few students desperate to use the computers. I do apologize for the delay, but hope you enjoy the space, natural light and ongoing improved library facilities.

We look forward to your feedback on the look, feel and usability of the new Learning Centre, at our new campus.

Sunday 12 February 2012

Melbourne library is closed

and will reopen on Monday 20th February with a new layout and a new name to reflect the changed activity.

The new Melbourne campus Learning Centre has:
  • more floor space for students,
  • a quiet study or bookable group tutorial room,
  • computers located in the main area, having been removed from the crowded, stuffy 'lab', and
  • a more streamlined layout for books, carrels and student tables.
The Endeavour management fast tracked their plans to refurbish the Melbourne campus library into a new Learning Centre, following comments received during the 2011 Library Survey.

The library will close from Tuesday 14 Feb, reopening in the new Learning Centre on Monday 20 Feb. A limited service will be available during the closure in the area previously occupied by the computers. All online services, ie LibGuides, eLibrary and email will be unaffected.

It will take a few months to complete all the "finishing touches" but all the changes have been designed to place "Students First" and hopefully will be experienced as soon as you enter the Learning Centre. The refurbishment is a continuation of improvements to the library system and library operations as stated in Endeavour's Strategic Plan.

We look forward to your feedback on the changes in the months to come.

Tuesday 7 February 2012

library system maintenance


Our library system is scheduled for a one hour maitenance shutdown on Monday Feb 13, 9:00pm Brisbane & Gold Coast, 10:00pm Sydney & Melbourne, 9:30pm Adelaide, 7:00pm Perth.

MEDLINE Complete trial

MEDLINE Complete is now available through EBSCO for a 60 day trial (till April).

It contains 1700 full text journals, some of which are:
-          Alternative Therapies in Health & Medicine
-          BMC Complementary & Alternative Medicine
-          Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine
-          Journal of Asian Natural Products Research
-          Journals of Interprofessional Care
-          Journal of Natural Medicines
-          Natural Product Research
-          Acupuncture & Electro-Therapeutics Research
-          Traditional Chinese Medicine
-          American Journal of Chinese Medicine
-          Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine
-          Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine
-          Annals of Nutrition & Metalbolism
-          Journal of  Herbal Pharmacology

To access the trial of MEDLINE Complete, just go through the EBSCO link, and its listed in the last group.
 

Wednesday 11 January 2012

2012 Library Opening Hours

Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney opening times will be standardized during 2012. During semester, the libraries will open Monday to Friday at 8:30 am. They will close at 7:30 each day except Friday, which will close at 5:00 pm. These hours have been in response to suggestions from the 2011 Library Survey.

Tuesday 10 January 2012

Brisbane campus library on the move

Brisbane campus is moving to 296 Wickham Street Fortitude Valley over the next few months. The library's move will be later rather than soon. In the meantime, business as usual at Water Street. If you are unsure of the library's location as we get closer to the beginning of semester always ring to check on 3253 6538.

Sydney campus Library is Open

Sydney campus library opened its doors on Monday 9th January. Computers, study tables and copies of textbooks and recommended readings are available for the subjects being taught on-campus. Gradually the facilities will be enhanced with additional services and an expanded library print collection to support both online and on-campus subjects. Currently the library is operating on reduced hours during the semester break. Please ring 02 8204 7707 with enquiries.

New databases available in January 2012

CINAHL Plus and Education Research Centre, with ERIC will be available on trial during January 2012. They can be accessed via the EBSCO launch platform. Just click onto EBSCO and login with your Endeavour network/ePortal login. Comments on their suitability are appreciated.

CINAHL Plus with Full Text


CINAHL Plus (Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature) with Full Text is currently available through the EBSCO platform. It’s the premier journal database for the nursing and allied health fields. Contains indexed include journal articles, selected pamphlets, selected books, dissertations, selected conference proceedings, standards of practice for nursing specialties, audiovisuals, educational software, and selected poems and cartoons.

Over 4,500 journals are indexed -- indexing can cover as far back as 1937, with full text for of over 770 journals,  275 books/monographs, plus legal cases, clinical innovations, critical paths, drug records, research instruments and clinical trials. There are also Evidence-Based Care Sheets and Quick Lessons available in full text from the search screen - simply click on the Evidence-Based Care Sheets or the More: Quick Lessons links.

Education Research Complete


Education Research Complete is currently available through the EBSCO platform. It is an authoritative online resource for education research. This massive file offers a robust collection of full text education journals. It is a bibliographic and full-text database covering scholarly research and information relating to all areas of education.

Topics covered include all levels of education from early childhood to higher education, and all educational specialties, such as multilingual education, health education, and testing. Education Research Complete also covers areas of curriculum instruction as well as administration, policy, funding, and related social issues. The database provides indexing and abstracts for more than 2,300 journals, as well as full text for over 1,400 journals. This database also includes full text for more than 550 books and monographs, and full text for numerous education-related conference papers.

ERIC, the Education Resource Information Center is also available through EBSCO.