Gale PowerSearch

Bibliographic Information: Gale PowerSearch. http://www.gale.cengage.com/. Cengage Learning, Inc. 

Plot Summary: Gale PowerSearch is a super search function of the Gale research group. Gale PowerSearch allows users to search over all the different Gale product options, such as: Gale Virtual Reference Library, Science In Context, Biography In Context, and over 35 other products. This option allows users the widest net of information possible. 

Critical Evaluation: N/A

Reader’s Annotation: Gale PowerSearch is a high powered search option that offers researchers the widest net of information retrieval.
 

Information About the Author: Gale, a part of Cengage learning, is an e-research and publishing service for students, schools, universities, libraries, and a variety of other users (Gale: About, 2012). The Gale company offers over 600 databases that are in print, ebooks, published online, and in microform (Gale: About, 2012). Some of the resources Gale offers are: fulltext magazines, newspapers, and many other services (Gale: About, 2012). 

Genre: Database

Curriculum Ties: Tie into lessons on best research practices and resources.

Booktalking Ideas: N/A

Reading Level/Interest Age: 15+

Challenge Issues: No issues. If there are any issues, I would use the following items as a defense:

1) Refer to Library Bill of Rights, see items: I, II, and III (http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill).
2) Refer to San Diego Public Library collection policy - (http://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/about-the-library/freedom.shtml).  Original site: The American Library Association (ALA) Freedom to Read/View Statement (http://www.ala.org/offices/oif/statementspols/ftrstatement/freedomreadstatement).
3) Refer to California School Library Association (CSLA), Model School Library Standards - September 2010 (http://www.csla.net/index.php/publications/school-library-standards). PDF: (http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/documents/librarystandards.pdf).

4) Refer t0 American Association for School, Librarians Standards for the 21st Century Learner (http://www.ala.org/aasl/sites/ala.org.aasl/files/content/guidelinesandstandards/learningstandards/AASL_Learning_Standards_2007.pdf)

5) Contact Office of Intellectual Freedom for any further support, 800-545-2433, ext. 4223 or oif@ala.org.

6) Refer to legitimate book reviews, such as: School Library Journal, Booklist, Kirkus Reviews, Horn Book and others; found on either Academic Search Premier, Follett's TITLEWAVE, or Amazon.com.

Why did you include this database in the titles you selected?: This subscription database is a great option for schools and libraries because it teaches students, especially high school aged students, what reliable information sources and materials look like.

Reference Page:

Gale. (2012). About. Retrieved July 21, 2012 from http://www.gale.cengage.com/about/