Posted on May 11, 2016
Professional development is more important than ever before, especially considering the changing curriculum standards and the explosion of educational technology. Today’s changing environment demands that professional learning is delivered in a way that connects technology with classroom instruction. Teachers need to become digital learners, too, because no amount of technology can improve instruction if a teacher does not possess the strategies to integrate it.
Posted on May 5, 2016
You may remember last year when we published a blog about Samantha Cole’s editorial in Fast Company magazine. Since it’s National Small Business Week, we thought it would be the perfect opportunity to make sure you’re not missing out on an opportunity to leverage the gift of free advertising. Keep reading; it’s not too late.
Cole’s article, “Who Needs Business School? The Hidden Startup Resources at your Local Library,” perfectly tells the value story of public libraries and specifically, how you support local entrepreneurs and foster economic growth. Do you ever read or hear something and think to yourself, “I couldn’t have said it better myself!”? This is one of those moments. What Cole has explained about libraries—and how she has explained it—is evidence-based and right on point.
Read moreDo You Keep Your Library’s Business Resources Hidden?
Posted on May 2, 2016
By Candy Jones-Guerin
In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is primarily observed in the state of Puebla where General Zaragoza’s lead the country to triumph over the French invasion and bolstered the resistance movement.
Here in the United States we have embraced this day as a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage. Classrooms and communities across the country hang paper banners, cook up delicious food and share stories and dance from this celebrated culture.
If you are looking for resources to get your celebration started, look no further. We have great resources on history, celebrated figures, climate and travel.
Posted on April 19, 2016
By Candy Jones-Guerin
Did You Know… that we can actually see the past? Light from distant stars take a very long time to reach the Earth, so when we look at a star through a telescope we are looking at the light that left the star several hundred, thousands or even million years ago!
Take your students on a journey that is sure to be out of this world on May 14th for International Astronomy Day. Gale has great resources to get you started!
Space and Astronomy Experiments Sourcebook, 1st Edition
December 2016
Space and Astronomy Experiments Sourcebook, part of the Science Experiment Sourcebooks series, features approximately 50 experiments on topics such as planets, stars and sunlight, and astrophysics, along with analysis and findings. These hands-on, user-friendly experiments for middle and high school students meet national science standards, require readily available materials, communicate directions clearly to student and teacher, and relate the activities performed to real-life situations.
Posted on March 31, 2016
Originally posted in February 2016 by Library Journal
It can be hard to maintain a positive outlook and self image in a world that places so much emphasis on material wealth and physical beauty rather than how we feel and think. We underestimate the importance of learning to love ourselves as we are rather than the way society tells us we should be. The right self-help books can and do provide a wealth of information to help you on your journey to understanding and improving yourself on your own terms. Gale Virtual Reference Library (GVRL) provides a collection of insightful guides to help you meet your goals and reach your full potential.
Posted on March 24, 2016
Originally posted in November 2015 by Henrietta Verma of Library Journal
Job seekers are some of your library’s most frequent users. They all seek the same goal—satisfying employment, quickly—but they have varying skills, educational levels, and different needs. One may need a part time job while his children are at school, for example, while another may be seeking leads on a high-level corporate position. Still others will be looking for internships and volunteer work that will enhance their résumé while they seek paying work. Among the thousands of books available on GVRL are many for those seeking a new job or a career change. See below for links to just a few of the relevant titles.
Posted on March 22, 2016
By Candy Jones-Guerin
April 2016 marks the 20th anniversary of National Poetry Month. Started in 1996 by the Academy of American Poets, it has become the largest literary celebration in the world. Each year schools, publishers, libraries, booksellers and poets take time in April to celebrate how poetry has shaped our world and cultures.
Let’s begin the celebration with some of these great Gale resources.
Encyclopedia of American Poetry, 2nd Edition
December 2016
Encyclopedia of American Poetry, Second Edition is an indispensable guide to American poetry with more than 1,100 entries, ranging in length from 500 to more than 3,500 words. Part of the Companion to Literature series, this updated and invaluable resource explores the various writers, works, themes, and movements of this intriguing literary genre.
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.
Read moreMacmillan Interdisciplinary Handbooks: Religion: A “Highly Recommended” Series
Posted on March 11, 2016
The National Geographic Society is synonymous with exploration, photography, maps, and rethinking the world as we know it. From the iconic National Geographic magazine to the popular National Geographic Traveler and hundreds of books, maps, videos, and images, there is simply no substitute for the depth and quality of National Geographic Virtual Library.
Posted on March 10, 2016
Original article published in Library Journal on February 3, 2016
Many patrons are interested in gaining control over their personal finances. They want to learn about budgeting, taxes, and how to invest wisely. Some are actively seeking the best ways to dig out of dire financial straits but lack the funds to seek professional assistance. Gale Virtual Reference Library (GVRL) offers a wide range of reference material that can guide library users through processes such as estate planning, investing for the future, learning about tax incentives to start a small business, or rebuilding or improving a poor credit score. No matter their fiscal situation, patrons will find what they need in GVRL. Check out some of the below titles!