Gale Virtual Reference Library

Gale Virtual Reference Library
Accessed through the San Diego Public Library’s eColletion
Accesible only with a valid San Diego Public Library account number.

Annotation:
Gale Virtual Reference Library provides users with a wealth of information through their eBook collection.

Summary:
With a large selection of subjects, the Gale Virtual Reference Library is a key provider for researchers. Accessible through a library account, the site offers a through search engine of its collection, providing for citation and bibliographies.

Critical Evaluation:
The overall site is very organized, providing popular book resources as examples for the various subjects offered. Within the selection of the material, users have a choice of downloading an audio version of the information or a pdf format to an eReader. The site proves citation tools and the ability to translate articles into twelve languages. Articles can be printed or emailed as well.

The site is only accessible through a library account. A search engine allows users to find different subjects in a very, well organized manner. A search for the subject of coffee provided for definitions and a history of the coffee industry. Within those results, exact pages of the chosen books were provided as well as page numbers for citation. The results also provided a bibliography and links to related articles.

The company’s goal of providing organized information for its users is fulfilled. Teens searching for in-depth research on the Internet will find success in this informative site.

Information about the Company:
Gale, part of Cengage Learning, works with libraries in regards to online research and educational publishing. Macmillan Reference USA is an example of one of Gale’s imprints. The company strives to provide educators and libraries with quality information in a global setting.

Genre:
Non-Fiction

Booktalking Ideas:
n/a

Reading Level/Interest Age:
The site provides assistance to any level of researcher.

Challenging Issues:
n/a

Why did I include this database in the title selections?
I was impressed with the site’s layout and the wealth of information provided in the search engine.

Reference:
Gale. (n.d.). About Us. Gale Cengage Learning. Retrieved from http://www.gale.cengage.com/about/

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ProQuest: Homework Help

ProQuest Homework Central
Accessed through the San Diego Public Library’s Kids and Teens: Homework Help Center

Annotation:
Homework Central serves to assist the needs of students and educators.

Summary:
With access to over 9,000 different worldwide publishers, Proquest Homework Central is a handy resource for online learning. The Proquest Homework Central archive is separated by grade level to provide easier access to materials.

Critical Evaluation:
The site’s homework page is quite organized. The site is broken done into different subject categories as well as guides to better assist in study behaviors.

The various subjects are first organized by their larger subject heading, followed by the more specific subject. The wealth of information provided within each area is outstanding and will provide a curious student with a wealth of knowledge.

Information about the Company:
From their home page, ProQuest is a specialized information resource company that works to assist in research and to provide quality information. Originally founded by Eugene Power in 1938, the company continues to be a source of information for newspapers and periodicals.

Genre:
Non-Fiction

Booktalking Ideas:
n/a

Reading Level/Interest Age:
The site provides assistance to any student between elementary school up to high school.

Challenging Issues:
n/a

Why did I include this database in the title selections?
The San Diego Public Library has a great list of different resources for kids and teens. When I accessed this site, I felt the information presented was well-organized and easy to access, something a teen needs when doing homework in a hurry.

Reference:
ProQuest. (n.d.). About Us. Retrieved from http://www.proquestk12.com/about/default.shtml

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