Gale Virtual Reference Library

January 29, 2013

Have you ever needed an article from a reference book only to find that MCPL’s single non-circulating copy is at the branch that is furthest from your home? Did you know there’s an alternative to driving all that way?

Gale Virtual Reference Library (GVRL) is one of our many awesome Online Resources, and it may just be the answer to your reference section woes.

Voted Library Journal’s 2012 Best Overall Database, GVRL is definitely worth your time! Even if you’ve browsed in the past, Gale has recently updated the interface, making searching and finding just what you need a whole lot simpler. The books in the GVRL collection are the same that you would find in a traditional hard-bound reference section, except instead of having to go to a specific branch to access them, they are available immediately and from anywhere!

Each title includes the entire contents of the print edition, while being fully indexed and searchable. There is even a list of illustrations for easy access. Have an eReader? GVRL allows you to download articles in PDF format to transfer to your favorite reading device. It will even read the articles to you - and the audio can be downloaded as an MP3!

MCPL currently has over 1,000 titles in the Gale Virtual Reference Library, conveniently broken down into subjects such as arts, law, medicine, technology, etc. The very popular DK Eyewitness Series is included as well - for those of you who are like me and just can't get enough Eyewitness books in their life!

- Mariah H.
Information and Reader Services