Opposing Viewpoints in Context (Database), Gale. Accessed through the San Diego Public Library.Description:
Opposing Viewpoints in Context contains articles, court cases, biographies, pro/con essays, and primary source documents all designed to show the many opinions associated with current political and social issues. It also includes podcasts, images, charts, graphs, and tables.
The basic search options include a keyword search of viewpoints, images, reference, news, magazines, academic journals, primary sources, statistics, audio, video, websites, or all of these. The advance search allows the user to select one of the typical database fields such as keyword, title, subject, author, ISSN, or publisher, as well as several others. The search can then be limited to full text, peer reviewed, publication date, document type, content type, content level, and lexile range. In addition to using the search fields, the user can also view a list of topics, with each issue including links to all the resources available for the topic, as well as a list of expert picks, a statistical map, and a brief explanation of the issue. The statistical map is also available as a separate option, where a topic can be chosen and narrowed according to the statistic. Finally, the database includes a list of curriculum standards for the United States and seven other countries.
Critical Evaluation:
Opposing Viewpoints in Context is an excellent resource for students and teachers. It includes the most up-to-date information about an extensive list of social and political issues, as well as historical information on each of the issues. The inclusion of so many viewpoints on a particular topic all in one place makes this database the place for users to learn almost everything need to know about the topic. Rather than having to search numerous databases with several keywords, the user can simply select a topic to find hundreds or often thousands of resources that can then be narrowed to fit the user's specific needs. This ease of use makes it the perfect resource for high school students who are just beginning to learn how to conduct research.
Annotation:
This database provides articles with opposing viewpoints on a wide range of topics from politics to science to culture.
Company Information:
Gale was first established in 1954 Frederick Gale Ruffner. In 1985 it was aquired by the Thomson Corporation and became part of their Learning Division. When the Thomson Corporation decided to sell its Learning Division in 2007, a private consortium purchased it and the name was changed to Cengage Learning. Gale is the primary reference section of Cengage Learning
Gale has more than 600 databases that are available online, as eBooks, in print, and in microform. Gale’s imprints include Macmillan Reference USA, the TAFT group, Greenhaven Press, and Thorndike Press, among others. In addition to providing servies to libraries and schools, Gale allows its products to be licensed to other online information services such as Dow Jones, and Looksmart.
Genre:
N/A
Curriculum Ties:
Can be used to find sources for classes on:History
Current Events
Debate
Science
Health
Psychology
Booktalking Ideas:
N/A
Reading Level/Interest Age:
All ages
Challenge Issues:
None
Challenge Defense Ideas:
If there were challenges:
- Require the challenger to fill out a written challenge form with clear reasons stated and examples given.
- If not already familiar with the content, become familiar.
- Refer the challenger to the library's collection policy.
- Refer the challenger to reputable reviews of the books, as well as reviews by those in the book's target audience.
Reasons for Selection:
This is an great resource for projects that require the user to form an opinion on a topic or to present opposing opinions on the topic.
