Plot Summary

Gale in Context: Biography is a subscription database used by many schools and libraries to provide accurate information on famous figures in history, society, and popular culture as a resource for biography projects with its vast collection of materials. Users can either browse through people listed on the home page by subject or search for a particular person. Once a person is selected, a brief bibliographic overview of the person appears along with various resources such as biographical articles, biographical books, audio files, news headlines, magazine articles, and images. Related topics are provided along the bottom of the page to make for easier browsing.

Critical Evaluation

This database is an excellent source of information for older high school students who are conducting research papers, who may need additional references. Often biographical assignments can prove challenging if multiple students select the same person due to library collections being finite; Gale in Context: Biography provides electronic versions of biographies that can assist students with their homework needs. The website is very user-friendly, even going so far as to provide a search history option in the event a student needs to leave their research and return at a later time in addition to the advanced search function to be more precise. Once one arrives at the desired page, he information presented is easy to navigate with clear headings dividing the different resources. Because Gale is a well-established company this resource can help alleviate student and teacher concerns regarding information gathered online; many of the resources are reviewed or published so as to avoid incorrect data gathering. Lexile levels, word count, date published, and resource type are clearly displayed next to the title, creating an easy path for citations.

Providing the browsing and related topics options encourage people to explore history and other figures relating to the topics they are interested in, something that would prove beneficial for many young people. History and research often has a negative connotation of being unpleasant, but by demonstrating that there is some great historical information available that will be of interest Gale in Context: Biography can inspire teenagers to enjoy the search for information.

Reader’s Annotation

Utilize Biography in Context's easy-to-use search engine to find credible resources on famous historical and popular figures.

About the Author (Company Overview)

"Gale connect libraries to learning and learners to libraries.

For more than 60 years, Gale, a Cengage Company has partnered with libraries around the world to empower the discovery of knowledge and insights by all people, for all purposes.

Knowledge is power, and the act of learning is empowering. Access to knowledge offers learners an opportunity to discover the motivation and inspiration vital to making a positive contribution in not only their own lives, but the rest of the world. That’s why Gale provides libraries with original and curated content, as well as the modern research tools that are crucial in connecting libraries to learning, and learners to libraries.

Gale is well-known for supporting the mission of libraries and continues to advocate by helping libraries foster higher usage and demonstrate measurable value.

Gale’s product development process enriches world-class information products. With shorter cycle times and an active customer and user feedback process, we are continuously improving our products.

Gale-created materials along with titles from 120+ notable publishers, thousands of newspapers and journals, and more than 175 million pages of primary sources.

Our users depend on us for accurate, authoritative, peer-reviewed material. Gale relies on a global network of scholars, subject-matter specialists, professionals, and educators to create that material.

Gale customers can rely on personalized service and support. Utilize partnerships with our Customer Success team and self-service tools like widgets, promotional materials, and training services," ("About Gale," n.d.).

Genre(s)

Subscription database, homework help, biography

Curriculum Ties

History - historical figures

Booktalking Ideas

Gale in Context: Biography provides information on many different historical and popular figures. Were you able to find information on your favorite artist? What are two facts you learned about them?

Reading Level/Interest Age

Grades 9 and up

Challenge Issues

Safe search, disturbing historical images

Defense Preparation

• Have the library's collection policy memorized and a copy available for distribution to the patron in order to strengthen your position (LVCCLD, 2002).
• Explain that the library district does not restrict access to items within the collection (Heezen, n.d.) in compliance with the Library Bill of Rights (American Library Association, 1996).
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of why this item is available for circulation within the library including who the target demographic is for this title and it's contributions to the literary world.
• Refer to any awards the book and/or author might have in order to show the title's literary merit. Providing the fact that the title is well-known and accepted by the literary community can help strengthen your defense.
• Provide a few reviews, both positive and negative, from respected sources such as Kirkus or Publisher's Weekly to demonstrate your knowledge of the material and reflect professional opinions.
• Familiarize yourself with the material in order to understand explain the context in which the challenged issues interact with one another.
• Provide titles that can serve as an alternative if the patron maintains the title is inappropriate.
• Remain calm and collected, utilizing active listening skills in order to ensure that the complaint is viewed without judgement. The concerns of the patron are valid even though you may disagree with them, and they deserve an engaged conversation regarding the issue.
• Offer a Request for Reconsideration form as a last resort, explaining the reconsideration process to the patron (LVCCLD, 2002).

Why is it Included?

This database is an excellent resource for students who are writing a report on a person in history due to the breadth of content available. If a teenager needs a resource and a physical book is not available, either due to lack of printed information or immediacy of need, they will be able to utilize sources that are credible and will be accepted as a valid resource.

Plot Summary

LearningExpress Library provides access to a number of resources designed to assist learners of any age with their educational and personal goals. There are eight categories of information provided on LearningExpress Library: Career Preparation, High School Equivalency Center, College Admissions Test Preparation, School Center, College Students, Adult Core Skills, Computer Skills Center, and Spanish Assistance. The resources geared towards teenagers are

• High School Equivalency Center, which provides sample GED tests, activities to help you build your basic skills, and preparation tests/materials for the HiSET and the TASC.
• College Admissions Test Preparations, which provides sample tests and activities for the ACT, SAT, PSAT/NMSQT, AP Exams, TOEFL iBT and IELTS, and assistance writing college admissions essays.
• School Center: High School, which provides practices and tutorials regarding high school math, English Language Arts, social studies, technology, logic and reasoning skills, and science skills.

People are able to go at their own learning pace when completing the activities, and redo them as many times as they would like.

Critical Evaluation

It is difficult for many high school students to ask for help, which is why LearningExpress Library is such a helpful resource for students struggling with aspects of their education. The breadth of information and resources available on this database is impressive and offers assistance to teenagers of all abilities. While I have seen many online resources offer assistance on homework help, which LearningExpress Library also provides, I have seen very little online GED assistance. Obtaining a GED can be a sensitive subject that teenagers may not want to announce, so it is important to allow free online access to resources to help them succeed.

The database is well laid out, with clear headings and subheadings for each subject making it very user-friendly. There are very little images or colors that are not distracting, which is a positive because it allows the user to concentrate on the information they are seeking; the downside to this is that the website appears static and not very inviting. By providing more images and dynamic color schemes the website would appear to be a vibrant and exciting source for information rather than a dry resource. While they provide a wealth of information, they are not very personable and feel almost clinical. To engage these students who are having difficulty in their education they should make learning out to be fun and engaging.

This databases clearly wants to assist the community as evidenced by its massive library of resources, but it's appeal and display leaving the user feeling disconnected and uninterested. Regardless, LearningExpress Library is a one-stop hub of resources for people of all ages.

Reader’s Annotation

Utilize one of LearningExpress Library's free interactive online courses for personal and professional development, ranging from educational help to career preparation.

About the Author (Company Overview)

"LearningExpress Library helps libraries improve the lives of their patrons every day through a highly-acclaimed eLearning solution that provides support to students and professionals for academic skill-building, standardized test prep, career certification test prep and more.

Tutorials, Practice Tests and More: This flagship LearningExpress product is comprised of a comprehensive selection of interactive online tutorials, practice tests, articles, e-books, and high-stakes test preparation — modeled after official tests. LearningExpress Library is designed to help students and professionals at all levels of learning achieve their educational and career-related goals," ("LearningExpress Library," n.d.).

Genre(s)

Subscription database, homework help

Curriculum Ties

All subjects

Career readiness

College preparation

Booktalking Ideas

LearningExpress Library offers test preparation for college entrance exams such as the SAT and ACT. Have you considered higher education? If so, will you be taking the SAT or the ACT, and why?

Reading Level/Interest Age

All ages

Challenge Issues

N/A

Defense Preparation

• Have the library's collection policy memorized and a copy available for distribution to the patron in order to strengthen your position (LVCCLD, 2002).
• Explain that the library district does not restrict access to items within the collection (Heezen, n.d.) in compliance with the Library Bill of Rights (American Library Association, 1996).
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of why this item is available for circulation within the library including who the target demographic is for this title and it's contributions to the literary world.
• Refer to any awards the book and/or author might have in order to show the title's literary merit. Providing the fact that the title is well-known and accepted by the literary community can help strengthen your defense.
• Provide a few reviews, both positive and negative, from respected sources such as Kirkus or Publisher's Weekly to demonstrate your knowledge of the material and reflect professional opinions.
• Familiarize yourself with the material in order to understand explain the context in which the challenged issues interact with one another.
• Provide titles that can serve as an alternative if the patron maintains the title is inappropriate.
• Remain calm and collected, utilizing active listening skills in order to ensure that the complaint is viewed without judgement. The concerns of the patron are valid even though you may disagree with them, and they deserve an engaged conversation regarding the issue.
• Offer a Request for Reconsideration form as a last resort, explaining the reconsideration process to the patron (LVCCLD, 2002).

Why is it Included?

This database offers many resources for teenagers, ranging from personal to professional advancement/development that they can utilize such as college exam preparation and career guidance. It can be difficult for teenagers to reach out for help in some instances, in particular when they feel self conscious or embarrassed about wanting/needing assistance, which is why an anonymous online platform is beneficial.

Plot Summary

Transparent Language Online allows users to learn a new language in an interactive online setting that lets them set their own pace. Users select which language they would like to focus on developing and then can begin with any unit they would like. Each unit contains numerous lessons and a test at the end to determine their knowledge of the language, which is then recorded on their learning path. The units contain practices regarding listening to, reading, speaking, and writing in their desired language. Other language learning resources are provided, and users have access to over 100 languages.

Critical Evaluation

This database provides open access to numerous language learning activities in an interactive and engaging way. The design of the database is friendly and welcoming, with colorful yet muted backgrounds that put the learner at ease. Expectations for outcomes are clear, and the user's progression is tracked to ensure they stay on course. By beginning most lessons with the language's alphabet, Transparent Language Online is setting it's users up for success because they will be familiar with the language before they began learning vocabulary. Allowing users to begin their lessons wherever they want on the program, be it at the beginning or half-way through, they are giving them the opportunity to learn at their own pace and experience level. Other language learning programs require users to begin at the first lesson, which could prove frustrating if they have prior knowledge of a language and want to develop their skills; Transparent Language Online give it's users the tools and a guide, but it is ultimately up to the user how much they gain from the resources provided.

Transparent Language Online utilizes many mediums to assist it's language learners. Audio of the word/letter/sentence is provided to the learner to provide an example of the proper pronunciation, something that is impossible through books or text-only resources. By comparing their voice to the native speaker's inflections and pronunciations, the learner is able to excel at learning the language. Typing activities provide assistance on writing in a foreign language, which is of particular relevance to 21st century teenagers who interact with many diverse people online.

The combination of interactive learning and helpful resources makes Transparent Language Learning an excellent resource for teenagers of all ages.

Reader’s Annotation

Learn a new language using this interactive online database designed to help you succeed.

About the Author (Company Overview)

"At Transparent Language, we treat language learning as more than just a casual pursuit. For our customers, including some of the U.S. government's most stringent language schools, success is not optional. Their students must reach a specified level of proficiency in a set amount of time. We make their challenge our mission: to train language faster with more reliable results.

We develop innovative technology and methods to enable faster and more reliable language learning outcomes for professionals in organizations with critical language requirements, for students and teachers in academic environments, and for anyone else intent on becoming more proficient in another language. We know great learning technology is engaging and satisfying, with quality content and game dynamics that maintain every learner's attention. Our systems leverage the element of fun to achieve serious results - where students and instructors see and feel real progress. We also know the tools provided to teachers matter as much as those provided to students. We provide instructors with the comprehensive reporting features needed to improve language program management.

We don't just offer our own courses — our technology is designed to strengthen and leverage every course and curriculum. We care about every language, not just those where there is money to be made. We put our money into transformative technology and resources, instead of advertising, and concentrate on providing the most enticing, fun, and flexible language products possible.

Our products are also available in more than 12,000 libraries, corporate organizations, and educational institutions worldwide. We also make the same effective, affordable system available to individuals who care about their own personal language learning, too," ("About Us," n.d.).

Genre(s)

Subscription database, homework help

Curriculum Ties

World Language

Booktalking Ideas

If there are no print materials available for check-out when working on your biography, you can supplement your resources with Gale in Context: Biography.

Reading Level/Interest Age

Ages 14 and up

Challenge Issues

Safe search, disturbing historical images

Defense Preparation

• Have the library's collection policy memorized and a copy available for distribution to the patron in order to strengthen your position (LVCCLD, 2002).
• Explain that the library district does not restrict access to items within the collection (Heezen, n.d.) in compliance with the Library Bill of Rights (American Library Association, 1996).
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of why this item is available for circulation within the library including who the target demographic is for this title and it's contributions to the literary world.
• Refer to any awards the book and/or author might have in order to show the title's literary merit. Providing the fact that the title is well-known and accepted by the literary community can help strengthen your defense.
• Provide a few reviews, both positive and negative, from respected sources such as Kirkus or Publisher's Weekly to demonstrate your knowledge of the material and reflect professional opinions.
• Familiarize yourself with the material in order to understand explain the context in which the challenged issues interact with one another.
• Provide titles that can serve as an alternative if the patron maintains the title is inappropriate.
• Remain calm and collected, utilizing active listening skills in order to ensure that the complaint is viewed without judgement. The concerns of the patron are valid even though you may disagree with them, and they deserve an engaged conversation regarding the issue.
• Offer a Request for Reconsideration form as a last resort, explaining the reconsideration process to the patron (LVCCLD, 2002).

Why is it Included?

Being fluent in multiple languages is a skill that can prove beneficial not only for teenager's future careers, but also for their personal lives. Students whose first language is not English will have a resource to utilize at their own pace without fear of mistakes or ridicule.