University Library initiative receives international recognition

Friday 2 March 2007

Staff at the University of Newcastle Library have received international recognition for their work in developing a unique online teaching program which is accessible via the Internet.

The Endnote Online Tutorial has been added to the PRIMO database (Peer Review Instructional Materials Online) by the American Library Association and the Association of College and Research Libraries.

The PRIMO database is used by libraries all over the world to teach people about discovering, accessing and evaluating information in networked computer environments.

The University of Newcastle contribution is the only tutorial included on the PRIMO database to teach people about Endnote, a Thomson Scientific commercial software program.

University Librarian, Greg Anderson, said the Endnote Online Tutorial was developed by Library staff including Debbie Booth, Michael Carr, Susan Day, Helen Lloyd and Ann Stokes, in response to significant demand for training sessions in the use of the Endnote software program.

"Endnote is used by staff and students to assist in the management of references, in-text citations and bibliographies in assignments and papers," he said.

"We found that so many students wanted to use the software that we were unable to keep up with demand for training so to provide flexibility for the students and to take the pressure off staff we designed the Endnote Online Tutorial.

"One of the biggest advantages of the online tutorial is that it allows people to teach themselves at their own pace, choice of time and location.

"It is not just University of Newcastle students and staff who can use the system. Anyone with access to the internet can use it and it can be regularly updated following any upgrades to the Endnote software."

To be included in the PRIMO database, instruction materials are nominated and reviewed by a panel of experts against stringent selection criteria.

"The standard of materials included in PRIMO is very high and the inclusion of the Endnote Online Tutorial on such a prestigious database is a great achievement for the staff involved in its design and the University," Greg Anderson said.

Endnote Tutorial URL: www.newcastle.edu.au/service/library/tutorials/endnote

For comment: Greg Anderson 02 4921 6465