The Alumni Medical Library recently mounted a new, revised BUMC MEDLINE Plus/OVID tutorial on the Web at:
http://www.medlib.bu.edu/library/ovidtutorial/index.html.

The new tutorial includes more quiz sections and interactive options, as well as updated screen designs and displays. Frames and non-frames viewing options are both available. The tutorial is designed so that users who want an in-depth overview of the searching process and software can go through the entire tutorial, or those who want quick refreshers on specific searching functions can link directly to relevant pages. Searching tips & hints, and OVID documentation are also mounted.

The Alumni Medical Library's BUMC MEDLINE Plus/OVID tutorial was first mounted in 1999 using a framework that was created by and used with permission of the Duke University Medical Center Library. In 2001, the Alumni Medical Library's tutorial was significantly modified with the goals of increasing and improving interactivity, and updating the graphical interface. Kathy Schilling, of the Alumni Medical Library is responsible for content. Stefanie Curry, of the Boston Medical Center Department of Family Medicine created the graphical interface.

Key Features of the BUMC MEDLINE Plus/OVID tutorial:

1. Frames and non-frames versions of the tutorial are available. The frames version tracks each individual's usage with a green arrow that appears on the left-hand menu, indicating which of the tutorials sections the individual has completed.

2. The tutorial includes instructions, examples, and explanations, as well as screen captures of the OVID system that show each of the items that are described and discussed in the explanations sections. Within the screen captures, explanatory text is boxed and highlighted in-color.

3. Multi-option quiz items are integrated throughout the tutorial. These self-study quiz items improve the interactivity of the tutorial, actively involving users in the search process, and allowing them to test their understanding of important concepts before moving on.

4. In addition to the basic tutorial, a number of optional sections, such as “Searching for Title Words” or “Searching for a Specific Author” are available. These sections are useful for users who want a very comprehensive MEDLINE training program, or for more experienced MEDLINE searchers who simply want to learn how to perform a specific function in the database.

5. A tutorial evaluation allows the Alumni Medical Library to gather feedback from users. Variables contained within the evaluation include whether the tutorial was easy to use, whether it followed a logical, well-organized sequence, presented the information clearly, and used relevant examples. Open-ended questions allow users to indicate their likes and dislikes, and to make recommendations for changes or additions to the tutorial.

The BUMC MEDLINE Plus/OVID tutorial is available on the Web at http://www.medlib.bu.edu/library/ovidtutorial/index.html.