Month: February 2015

Committed to a Seamless Customer Experience:  Gale Continues Partnership with YBP

By David Schroeter 

Last week, EBSCO announced its acquisition of YBP Library Services. For years, YBP and its GOBI platform have been a valuable partner to Gale, part of Cengage Learning, providing access to both print and eBook titles as part of Gale’s GVRL, Gale Directory Library, and Literature Criticism Online programs.

We at Gale are devoted to providing our customers with the best ease of access and workflow models available, and because of this, our partnership with YBP will remain unchanged. This means that there will be no interruptions to service or changes in contracts, and you can continue using our resources the same way you always have.

Read moreCommitted to a Seamless Customer Experience:  Gale Continues Partnership with YBP

Volunteers Share Their Library Love Stories – And Their Time

By Jessica L.

The best part of my job is hearing what people love about the library! As the Volunteer Coordinator at the Cedar Rapids Public Library, I have interviewed over 200 volunteers in the past two years. One question I always ask is “What attracted you to volunteering at the library?” I love to hear the diverse answers our volunteers give. They want to give back to their community. They want to connect with others. They love the library and want to support its success. They love books. They remember coming to this library as a child. They love coming here with their kids. And on, and on, and on…

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Fiction, Schmiction. How About Some Reality?

Thorndike large print memoirs and biographies

Some readers crave fiction. But a growing number of readers are hungry for nonfiction. In fact, a recent analysis of circulation data from libraries around the country revealed phenomenal growth of circulating nonfiction over the last 20 years. Why? Well, here are two possible reasons: 

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In Other News: Greece & the EU

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

By Michelle Eickmeyer

Ah, Santorini. The quintessential picture of Greece. Stark white building against lovely blue sea. Full disclosure: I’ve chosen this picture for partially selfish reasons. It is currently -8F (-22.2C) outside of the Gale office in Farmington Hills. I need this picture right now.

Read moreIn Other News: Greece & the EU

The History of Transcontinental Travel Part 2: Wheels and Wings

Chilton DIY

By Ryan Price

In October of 1893, General Roy Stone, a Civil War hero and roads advocate, was appointed to be in charge of the new Office of Road Inquiry (ORI) within the Department of Agriculture. With a budget of $10,000, ORI promoted new rural road development to serve the wagons, coaches, and bicycles on America’s dirt roads.

Read moreThe History of Transcontinental Travel Part 2: Wheels and Wings

Accidental Librarian

By Katelyn H. As a child, I was a voracious reader, and the library was thankfully an easy walk from our house. By the time I hit high school, it became something else: my first employer. I was drawn to the work for less than noble reasons, as I was mostly interested in a job … Read more

Friends and the Library

By Ambar A.  My first impression of an actual library outside of school was when I was 12. My best friend sparked an interest in books with me when she gave me one about dogs as a birthday gift. She convinced me to start “hanging out” at the library instead of the mall by telling me … Read more