Virtual Health Library to be established

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1 October 06 This page informs about news emanating from the University of Guyana (UG) and usually appears on the last Wednesday of every month. The articles are submitted by the University s Public Relations Division, to which comments may be directed. (Tel: , Fax: ) ug_pro@telsnetgy.net Virtual Health Library to be established The Library is in the process of building its Virtual Health Library which is a collaborative project between UG and the Pan American Health Organisation. The aim of the Virtual Health Library is to provide high quality, timely, reliable and valid health information for consumers and practitioners regardless of the geographic location, through the use of the Internet. The project has been enhanced by the receipt of a donation of one desktop computer and a printer which are dedicated to the Virtual Health Library. As part of the package of the project, the University has free access to the Health Inter- Network Access to Research Initiative (HINARI) database, which contains the world s peer-reviewed journals in Biomedicine and related Social Sciences subject areas. Access to the database allows for the downloading of full-text articles with links to and from databases including PubMed. In an attempt to consolidate the project, Ms Carol Parris, Senior Assistant Librarian and Coordinator of the project will be attached to the PAHO Library during her Sabbatical Leave (2006/2007) to receive further training in the establishment of the Virtual Health Library.

2 Online facilities now available The University of Guyana now subscribes to the Elton B. Stephens Company (EBSCO) online library, which provides access to online journals and other full-text databases such as Academic Search Premier, Business Source Premier and Newspaper Source. EBSCO is rated one of the world s most valuable databases with numerous collections of active full-text, peer-reviewed journals. It consists of indexing for over 8,000 publications, with full text for more than 4,450 of those titles, including PDF backfiles to 1975 or further, and over one hundred journals, and searchable cited references for more than 1,000 titles. Two agents from the company visited on September 20, to train staff members in the use of the database. In the meantime, the Library is currently assessing the use made of this online facility over the first six-month period. Catalogues computerised at the Berbice Campus The computerisation of the Berbice Campus Library Catalogues, which began in December, 2005, has been completed. The Library staff as well as the students can now make full use of the Winlsis Database software to search for books, rather than going through the printed catalogues. The books can be accessed by using various search criteria such as Author, Title, Subject, ISBN No., etc. Online courses to come on stream Based on the request of lecturers and the approval of the Vice-Chancellor, the Centre for Information Technology has set up a computer lab to be used by lecturers for the development and delivery of online courses, under the Caribbean Universities Project for Integrated Distance Education (CUPIDE). CUPIDE has provided 10 computer workstations and one computer server and will also be providing one high speed copier/printer. One major issue CUPIDE is working to resolve is the provision of highspeed Internet connectivity to support the delivery of online courses.

3 UG to strengthen security at Turkeyen The Administration is putting firm measures in place to curb the spate of robberies and the unacceptable behaviour, including gambling and the consumption of alcohol with an attendant noise nuisance and disorderly behaviour on the tarmac of the Turkeyen campus. These activities are related to each other and involve persons who are not students of the University. To forestall any dangerous escalation which could bring the institution into disrepute, stringent measures are being implemented, and the administration wishes to notify the public and its studentship, in particular, of this intention. The University seeks the cooperation of all civic-minded persons in these efforts and calls upon them to cooperate with those who will be charged with the responsibility of returning the campus to normalcy. Recognition for Long Service Twenty-three staffers from the Turkeyen Campus, will on Thursday, October 26, receive long service awards at a special function to be held in their honour at the Georgetown Club. As the Institution observes its 43rd anniversary, it is with pride, that the University salutes the staff members for their commitment and contribution to Guyana s premiere Institution. Eight staffers will receive twenty-year awards; nine will receive twenty-five year awards, while six staff members will receive awards for thirty years of service to the University of Guyana. Focus on UG congratulates the awardees.

4 Gwyneth George appointed Librarian Ms Gwyneth George Ms Gwyneth George, former Librarian (ag) has been appointed the sixth UG Librarian with effect from September 1, She is the fourth Guyanese and the third female Guyanese to hold the post. Ms George graduated from the University of Guyana in 2001 with a Master s Degree in Guyanese History. Prior to this, she was the recipient of a Certificate in Library Studies (1980), which was a joint programme between the University of Guyana and UNESCO, and a Bachelor s Degree in Library Studies (1986) from the University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica. Ms George joined the staff of the University of Guyana Library as a Librarian 1 in April 1993, after serving nineteen years in senior positions at the National Library of Guyana. She has served in the capacity of Head for all of the Divisions in the UG Library, and was promoted to Deputy University Librarian in 2002 and University Librarian (ag) in The University congratulates Ms George and wishes her well during her tenure.

5 Compulsory Core Courses in Information Technology The University has implemented two core courses (UGC110 and UGC120) which were developed to ensure that students at the University are able to use the computer to complete assignments and also to prepare them for the professional working environment. The courses were developed for all students, other than those registered to read for the Diploma or Degree in Computer Science.