On October 1st the LSUHSC Libraries changed their Ovidlink removed access from a locally-mounted system to Ovid Online. The overriding reason for this change is data currency. The Online system allows for dynamic database updates and access to more databases. In addition to CINAHL, Health and Psychosocial Instruments, and MEDLINE, the new databases include Biological Abstracts, Dissertation Abstracts, ERIC, PreMEDLINE, MEDLINE Daily Updates, and PsycINFO. With Journals@Ovid, patrons have access to the tables of content and abstracts of all Journals@Ovid, but full text is limited to 19 core journals for the approximately the years 1993 - 2002.

New features in Ovid Online include linking to local holdings, and linking out to full text where allowed by publisher. A user can check local holdings by clicking on the Library Holdings link under each citation.

Ovid then provides a screen with both the international standard serial number and the name of the journal. By selecting either choice, the user is then taken automatically to the Libraries' catalog and can determine if the item is owned.

Another new feature in Ovid Online is the ability to link out to the full text of an article when permitted by publishers. If full text is available for a citation, the OpenLink Full Text link appears under the item.

By clicking on OpenLink Full Text, the user is taken directly to the publisher's Web site to access the article. It is important to remember that the LSUHSC Libraries provide access to approximately 1400 journals in electronic form. Only a select group of journal publishers have agreements with Ovid for the OpenLink feature. The Libraries' catalog, Innopaclink removed, is always the best source to determine full text access.

Many features users enjoyed with the old locally mounted system are present in Ovid Online such as Saved Search, AutoAlert (SDI), Ask A Librarian, and Session Recovery. All previously saved permanent and AutoAlert searches from the old system have been moved to Ovid Online. Finally, users continue to use their LSUHSC userid and password for access.

The LSUHSC Libraries are pleased to offer its users the Ovid Online search system with expanded database access. We welcome your feedback. Send comments to Wilba Swearingenlink removed, Director of Libraries.

If assistance is needed in using Ovid Online, please call the Reference Departments at the Isché (Main) Librarylink removed (568-8339 or 568-6102) or Dental Librarylink removed at (619-8507).

-- Pauline Fulda
pfulda@lsuhsc.edulink removed