Academic

Celebrate National Library Week with the Best Libraries of Yore!

By Melissa Rayner

Libraries mean so much to so many people. For me, personally, the library represents a place of belonging and comfort, a place of endless possibilities, and a dream. My mother took me to see Disney’s Beauty and the Beast in theaters for my seventh birthday. Being that I was always a shy, imaginative child, books had already become my best friends and most constant of companions by then. So, it should be no surprise that my young heart fell irrevocably in love with the Beast the moment he gifted Belle his colossal castle library.

In the more than 20 years since my first viewing of this film, my dream has not wavered once. I still crave that library for myself, and I’m still searching for the perfect house that has just the right layout–and more than enough space–to integrate a huge home library.

To honor National Library Week (a holiday of the utmost importance in my book!), I’d like to share a series of other dream-making libraries. Like Belle’s, some of them do live within castles, others reside in government quarters, and still others are closed to the public. I’ve scoured Gale’s historical archives via Gale Artemis: Primary Sources in order to find the most luxurious and the most special libraries, and now I’d like to share them with you. Enjoy!

Read moreCelebrate National Library Week with the Best Libraries of Yore!

In Other News: Sarah Thomas

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

By Michelle Eickmeyer

First, apologies for the break. I was taken down by spring allergies/my annual sinus infection, then having a great time with many of you at ACRL, then recovering from both of those things. But back at it! Last year at this time, I wrote about the Masters. If that had not happened, today’s post would feature a clip of Jack, easily sinking his predicted hole in one. Man, he’s good. Or I could have written about the horrible tornadoes which struck Illinois last night. But I had already done that too. Finding a research topic can be tough, especially when all the obvious choices are taken. (Sound familiar?)

Read moreIn Other News: Sarah Thomas

Looking for a Change? Welcome to National Name Yourself Day!

By Melissa Rayner

It’s almost here! National Name Yourself Day, which by the way is absolutely a real holiday, will be here in just a couple more days. This special holiday fits in perfectly with another cool thing going on right now–National Poetry Week. Shakespeare by way of Juliet famously asked “What’s in a name?” and now I’d like to pose that question to each of you.

How does your name fit you? What image does it cast in the minds of people who have yet to meet you? Have you ever wished your parents had done a better job saddling you with a moniker?

Read moreLooking for a Change? Welcome to National Name Yourself Day!

Now Available: Enhanced Experience of GVRL, InfoTrac, and In Context

Today, enhancements released to GVRL and all resources within the InfoTrac and In Context families (including the PowerSearch platform) will increase accessibility for those with disabilities like low vision or blindness, improve usability for desktop and mobile researchers, and create a common user experience across some of our most popular resources.

Enhancements at a Glance 

Read moreNow Available: Enhanced Experience of GVRL, InfoTrac, and In Context

In Other News: Alex Pring & Limbitless Solutions

A look at a current news item through the lens of different Gale electronic resources.

By Michelle Eickmeyer

This. Yesterday the world met Alex Pring. This clearly precocious 7 year old is featured in a video by The Collective Project, receiving a new prosthetic arm from an offshoot of the Project, Limbitless Solutions. That this organization exists is mind-boggling, thrilling, chilling, and awe-inspiring. (I’ve talked in other posts about how writing this series is often a review of the worst of humanity. Not today!)

Read moreIn Other News: Alex Pring & Limbitless Solutions

50 Years of Busing

By Shannon Ostrowski
Sr. Marketing Manager and planner of all Gale/ALA related fun

Welcome to Detroit!

In 1965, the U.S. military was entrenched in the Vietnam War, the average cost of a new home was $21,500, the price of a first class stamp was $0.05, and the Green Bay Packers won the 33rd, and final, NFL Championship game.

Also in 1965, Gale, known back than as Gale Research Company, started sponsoring the ALA shuttle buses.

Read more50 Years of Busing

Two Hours in Portland

By Michelle Eickmeyer

ACRL, here we come! Conference travel can be an interesting beast. I love experiencing the show with you (and hearing both your concerns and victories) but it can drag on a bit if I’m not careful. As an exhibitor, I’ll be spending 3 full days in Portland working, followed by a red-eye home. There will be down time, but often conference down time is not down enough. And very often it is filled with “regular work” from back at the office.

As a conference attendee, the list of sessions I want to attend is longer than the time I have to give. I have a list of people to meet, check in with, and catch up with. If you are one of those left behind at your library/university/office, conference travel can seem romantic and alluring. Yes, I’m traveling to Portland. No, I won’t actually get to see much of the city beyond the cab ride to the hotel, the walk to the convention center, and, if I’m lucky, a dinner or two. Beyond that, you’ll find me in the exhibit hall. (Seriously! Come find me! We’re in booth 427. And we’re giving away beer!)

What if YOU (or, dare I dream, I!) have some free time? What could you do with a few hours in Portland? A lot!

Read moreTwo Hours in Portland