New Gale Interface Revamp Intended To Draw Readers to References

  • By Dian Schaffhauser
  • 12/08/11

Research and reference publisher Gale has done a major revamp of the interface for Gale Virtual Reference Library, its online e-book platform, emulating some of the techniques used by physical libraries. The Cengage-owned company said the interface has been overhauled with improved navigation, organization, and appearance. The library includes text from 7,000-plus books from Gale as well as 70 publishing partners and includes full-text content on subjects for K-12 audiences, college students, educators, researchers, and business professionals.

In the new design, for example, the home page shows book cover images, to replicate a library browsing experience. The interface is available in 35 languages, and a ReadSpeaker text-to-speech function is available in 19 languages for users who wish to listen to their online books.

With the new interface, the user can choose a one-page or two-page view; the two-page option gives an interactive book-like experience. Users can switch between HTML text or PDF and download, bookmark, print, and e-mail the contents. As the user drills down into a search, left menu options will provide more detailed filtering choices, as well as links to related topics.

  Gale Virtual Reference Library
Gale Virtual Reference Library		  

Libraries will be able to cross-search their virtual library collection with Gale PowerSearch and other Gale holdings including InfoTrac and InContext resources to build a customized resource. The new version also allows them to customize a collection by subject, assignment, topic, or class. An admin feature will let them generate usage reports for their collections.

About the Author

Dian Schaffhauser is a former senior contributing editor for 1105 Media's education publications THE Journal, Campus Technology and Spaces4Learning.

Featured

  • stylized illustration of a desktop, laptop, tablet, and smartphone all displaying an orange AI icon

    Survey: AI Shifting from Cloud to PCs

    A recent Intel-commissioned report identifies a significant shift in AI adoption, moving away from the cloud and closer to the user. Businesses are increasingly turning to the specialized hardware of AI PCs, the survey found, recognizing their potential not just for productivity gains, but for revolutionizing IT efficiency, fortifying data security, and delivering a compelling return on investment by bringing AI capabilities directly to the edge.

  • cybersecurity book with a shield and padlock

    Proposed NIST Cybersecurity Guidelines Aim to Safeguard AI Systems

    The National Institute of Standards and Technology has announced plans to issue a new set of cybersecurity guidelines aimed at safeguarding artificial intelligence systems, citing rising concerns over risks tied to generative models, predictive analytics, and autonomous agents.

  • open laptop with various educational materials like charts, quizzes, and documents emerging from the screen

    Pear Deck Learning Debuts New AI Features

    GoGuardian recently introduced new artificial intelligence features within its Pear Deck Learning curriculum and instruction platform, designed to aid educators throughout their teaching journey — from lesson planning to assessment.

  • students raising their hands and participating in a classroom discussion

    Report Explores Link Between Student Engagement and Learning

    Over 90% of teachers, principals, and superintendents agree that student engagement is a critical metric for understanding overall achievement, according to a new survey report from Discovery Education.