GALE VIRTUAL REFERENCE LIBRARY
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Summary: Gale Virtual Reference Library is a database subscription that has both encyclopedias and special reference sources to research. At one point, these particular resources that the Gale Virtual Reference Library provides were only available inside libraries ;however, now they are accessible 24/7 via the internet. Reference sources are difficult to find sometimes these days in libraries, which is what makes this database so appealing. Each specific library has its own eBook collection; therefore, the content provided in the database may vary depending on whether your subscription is from school, work, the library, or another organization.
Critical Evaluation: The format of the homepage for this database subscription could definitely use some work. Currently, upon logging into the database, there are just names and pictures of encyclopedias and reference sources with subject headings on top of them. As a user this layout is confusing for me. Do I try to find the encyclopedia under the general subject heading in order to find my subject, or do I just search the search bar. The layout could be way better and user friendly. However, I do love that this database provides information that may be difficult to find about people, concepts, and things, that one would have trouble finding in a library. For example, I had to conduct a class visit to teach this very database. To show the kids the value of the database, I chose to research a person I know libraries today don’t have a large amount of information on: Florence Griffith Joyner. This database had a lot of information on her, and I was so thrilled to see that. I would definitely recommend this database
Reader’s Annotation: N/a
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Curriculum Ties: This is a great resource to research older people in history who are often unknown as well as concepts and historical information.
Book Talk ideas: N/a
Interest Age: Grades 9-12
Challenge Issues & Defense Preparation:
Gale Virtual Reference Library: https://library.sdsu.edu/research-services/news/gvrl-gale-virtual-reference-library
Features of the Gale Virtual Reference Library: http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.225.6848&rep=rep1&type=pdf
Why Included: This is an excellent source when students need reference sources on people in history that may be unknown to most as well as general concepts. Teens sometimes don’t know where to look for reference information. Also there are some libraries that don’t have a reference section. Teens will be able to easily gain access to reference information that may be missing from their local libraries.
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