Tara Blair, Author at Gale Blog: Library & Educator News | K12, Academic & Public

In Other News: D-Day

June 12, 2014June 6, 2014

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

By Michelle Eickmeyer

True story: I saw “Saving Private Ryan” in the theater twice because the fist time I couldn’t bear to watch the 27 minute opening scene — reputedly known for being one of the most accurate (read: horrifying) recreations of nearly 10,000 men injured or killed on a beach. (I also passed out while holding my breath during the final scene of “Black Hawk Down”; my fear and knowing the truth behind the real-life version of what happened next getting the better of me. But that is neither here nor there.)

In Other News: Maya Angelou

February 27, 2018May 30, 2014

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

By Michelle Eickmeyer

For many of us, our first introduction to Maya Angelou came in the form of a required reading list. “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” has graced innumerable backpacks and lockers. Her writing style, mission, and general awesomeness has not gone unnoticed. Ms Angelou has won Tony, Emmy and Grammy awards. She has received the Lincoln Medal (2008), the National Medal of Arts (2010), and the Presidential Medal of Freedom (2011). She has been nominated for the Pulitzer Prize.

She is also one of the most banned authors in American history.

In Other News: Memorial Day

June 2, 2014May 23, 2014

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

By Michelle Eickmeyer

Memorial Day. The unofficial start of summer in the U.S. A holiday marked by barbecues, boats, yard work, and more so lately, retail sales on appliances. Random.

But Memorial Day is a time dedicated to remembering those who gave their life in service to the country. We celebrate their dedication to our freedoms by, well, celebrating our freedoms. Particularly the pursuit of happiness (and food and water sports). Originally begun as “Decoration Day,” this holiday takes time to remember and (safely) celebrate those who served. For them, we are grateful.

Civil War History is 80% Off

June 4, 2014May 22, 2014

By Geoff Schwartz

The American Civil War produced many legendary commanders whose deeds have been celebrated in song, paintings, and film. But what about the lesser-known participants, those who made an impact without the benefits of high rank and great power? Imagine someone with the guts to remove a musket ball from a jawbone with only a pocket knife, and to storm the beaches near Charleston, SC under heavy fire.

80% Off Sloths with Grzimek’s Animal Life Encyclopedia

August 18, 2015May 22, 2014

By Melissa Rayner

Sloths are all the rage these days—who knew an animal could be trendy? They have over 100,000 likes on Facebook and even have their own sub-Reddit! But students shouldn’t have to rely on social media to learn about their favorite three-toed, tree-dwelling, algae-sporting buddies. Not when the most definitive guide to animals on the market is currently available for 80% off through Gale’s print sale.

Yes, the 16-volume Grzimek’s (that’s pronounced Chimix) Animal Life Encyclopedia is on sale for $577.60—down from $2,888.00—but only while supplies last.

With Grzimek’s on your classroom’s bookshelf, you can learn such fun sloth facts as…

In Other News: Wildfires

May 30, 2014May 16, 2014

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

By Michelle Eickmeyer

Looking back at the news events featured here, you cannot help but notice a trend. Weather. The weather is often news and a common topic of conversation. Today, it is forecast to be record highs of 105 in some parts of California, while parts of the northern Midwest awoke to snow. Weather is inescapable and such a “regular” part of life that it is easy to overlook it as a topic worth researching with quality resources. And that is exactly why this blog series exists.

Announcing the Stars of Our 2015 Catalog

August 18, 2015May 15, 2014

We asked for models, and—whoa—did we get ‘em!

Yes, we have been absolutely overwhelmed by the level of enthusiasm with which our open casting call was met. Thank you for choosing to share your passions and your smiling faces with us as part of this contest. We love hearing about how you are using your skills to change your communities—keep up the great work!

Now, it is with great excitement that we announce our casting picks. They are:

Literature Resource Center Grows by Over 800 New Content Pieces

July 8, 2014May 12, 2014

Lovers of literature, rejoice! In its continuing quest to be the most current, comprehensive, and reliable online literature source, Literature Resource Center has bulked up its content with over 800 new biographies, critical essays, reviews, and other offerings.

Want to learn more? Check out the full list of new content below, or visit the LRC’s official online catalog page.

Featured Partner: Oxford University Press

May 8, 2014

An ongoing look at the partner publishers available through GVRL.

By Melissa Rayner

Oxford University Press has been one of the biggest names in academic publishing almost since the industry’s inception. The first book was printed in Oxford in 1478, and although the formal press had not yet been born, Oxford University involved itself with several printers over the century that followed. Now, the press publishes over 6,000 titles and sells more than 110 million units each year. It has offices in 50 countries and is the largest university press in the world.

Gale’s InterLink Brings Better Discovery to Academic Libraries

June 5, 2014May 7, 2014

By Michelle Eickmeyer

Discovery is one of the most discussed and sought after experiences among librarians, students and faculty in academic libraries. They may call those experiences different things, but discovery is the thread running through the needs of these groups. Librarians want all materials to be called upon — find-able by any user at the moment of need. Students often encounter the library’s holdings with a vague understanding of either what they are looking for, or how to find it. Or both. Or neither. Faculty look to support the scholarship of their students and, often, their own research needs as well.