Macmillan Reference USA Archives | Gale Blog: Library & Educator News

The Macmillan Interdisciplinary Handbooks: Religion Series Receives Phenomenal Reviews

June 23, 2017July 7, 2017

Having difficulty supporting patrons’ grasp of religion and nonbelief? The Macmillan Interdisciplinary Handbooks: Religion Series provides readers with a deeper understanding of religion and alternatives to religion with 10 volumes using film, literature, art, and other lenses for an innovative approach to introducing the field.

Ready to support the study of religion in your university or library? Start with a few reviews published in the American Reference Books Annual, spring 2017 edition:

Religion: Beyond Religion

“Due to its breadth of coverage and the depth of research upon which it is based, this is an important addition to the literature of both religion and nonbelief. Thus, it is an essential purchase for any library that seeks to acquire materials related to the study of religion, for academic libraries that support religion majors, and for all seminary libraries.”

—Gregory A. Crawford

Religion: Embodied Religion

“This volume is a very strong entry into the series. Questions and information on religious experience and how gender, desire, and embodiment are interpreted, celebrated, abhorred, and justified are well represented in this compendium of scholarly works. This book will be well suited for researchers and scholars of history, sociology, theology, and global studies. Highly recommended.”

—Janis Minshull

Mathematics, 2nd Edition Positively Engages Students

May 4, 2017May 26, 2017

This full-color update of the award-winning 2002 A-Z encyclopedia explains concepts, provides a historical overview, and explores careers in the field. Written for middle school/high school students, as well as non-math-major undergraduates, Mathematics contains some 300 entries that cover the basics of algebra, geometry and trigonometry, with the goal of making these topics more accessible and interesting. Readers will see the uses and effects of math in daily life, while short biographies highlight notable mathematicians. Thirty percent of the content is new to this edition, highlighting advances in mathematics since 2000. Mathematics is illustrated with images, equations, tables, and figures, and includes sidebars.

Both the original edition and the new were shaped by expert boards who determined the entry list and reviewed content. Each entry contains a bibliography/suggestions for further reading and cross‐references directing the users to articles of related interest.

See what Library Consultant, Janis Minshull, thinks of the newest edition:

Macmillan Interdisciplinary Handbooks: Religion: A “Highly Recommended” Series

May 31, 2017March 18, 2016

Looking for a resource to effectively engage and educate users in the study of religion? The Macmillan Interdisciplinary Handbook on Religion: Sources, Perspectives & Methodologies combines features of an introductory textbook with those of a reference resource to encourage students in studying religion. There are ten volumes in total, that identify different areas of critical thought and practice in the study of religion, the series is “commended for community libraries” as well as “college students.”

Read a review on Volume 1, Macmillan Interdisciplinary Handbook on Religion: Sources, Perspectives & Methodologies, posted by Library Watch, March, 2016.

In Other News: Race

August 17, 2015June 22, 2015

three hands from different race people clasping hands

A look at a current news item through the lens of different titles available on GVRL to find research inspiration.

By Michelle Eickmeyer

A fair skinned woman with a weave claims to be black. A white kid with twisted views killed nine innocent blacks while attending a Bible study. The president said the n-word. A lot of people are talking about a flag. The last two weeks have been filled with conversations of race and what it means in America.

In Other News: The Top Searched Terms of 2014

January 9, 2015December 19, 2014

A look at a current news item through the lens of different titles available on GVRL.

By Michelle Eickmeyer

Well, it’s that time of year again! Ugly sweaters, potentially awkward work/social events (not mine – mine was hilarious) and year end lists! So let’s take a break from the news and take a look at ourselves — and what “you” have been up to this year. We’re going to take a look at the top search terms within GVRL!

In Other News: Women in the News

February 23, 2018September 26, 2014

A look at a current news item through the lens of different titles available on GVRL.

By Michelle Eickmeyer

Some amazing women did some amazing things this week. And sadly, some horrible things were said about and done to some amazing women this week as well.

This post is going to be a slightly different format than usual. Hopefully you’ll find the information just as useful.

Here are five titles that look at women from different perspectives:

In Other News: Ebola

February 23, 2018August 1, 2014

A look at a current news item through the lens of different titles available on GVRL.

By Michelle Eickmeyer

Ebola. Just the word sounds scary. A surge in an extremely deadly, contagious virus, with no medical cure or approved treatment plan is killing hundreds of people in western Africa. Two American volunteers in the area are now suffering from the disease, raising new questions about the possibility and practicality of evacuation. With more than 700 deaths, the world is currently experiencing the largest Ebola outbreak on record.

Here are five titles that look at Ebola from different perspectives:

In Other News: March Madness

April 4, 2014March 28, 2014

A look at a current news item through the lens of different titles available on GVRL.

By Michelle Eickmeyer

Spring is in the air… or at least its on the calendar. And so are the sounds of fans cheering, odds shifting, brackets crashing and extra-squeaky shoes on the gym floor. (I mean seriously, how do they get those shoes to be so loud?!) Bracket-betting, foam finger throwing tantrums meets unbridled school spirit and athleticism. It’s the NCAA Division 1 Men’s Basketball Tournament! And its the 75th one! That’s kind of a big deal.