Opposing Viewpoints Database Goes Google

Admit it. As much as we want students to use databases for a majority of their research needs, many students will still choose to search via Google. Now, instead of students having to choose, Gale’s Opposing Viewpoints in Context database offers the ability to search database content alongside Google search results.
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Pretty cool, but, how does it work? Gale has created a Chrome extension that allows students and staff to search Google and Opposing Viewpoints in Context simultaneously. As you can see, this single search allows easy retrieval of authoritative content. To retrieve an article, simply click on the title in Google. You will then be sent directly to the Opposing Viewpoints in Context database where you can save the article to Google Drive or Google Classroom.

Not only do we think it will make research easier for students, ACHS student Emily Gardner believes “It’s a very helpful addition to an already useful program. Google is something we use constantly as students to do projects or simply when our curiosity is sparked. But, while Google does have all the answers, sometimes it’s not all in one place. This really helps to give students ideas for research projects and use school resources that we didn’t know were available to us to find what we need easier.”

If you are logged into the Chrome browser with the school Google account, this functionality will occur automatically. (Thanks, Mr. Staples, for setting this up!) However, if you are not signed into Chrome with your school Google account, but you still want to access this Chrome extension, you will need to follow the Chrome Extension Installation or video instructions for it to work. When setting it up, you will need to input the values for Library Name, Gale Library Location Id, and Gale Library Location Id Password. This information can be found on our database passwords list.

To search Opposing Viewpoints more effectively, you can refer to the following resources:  Gale Databases Offer New Functionality Blog Post, Opposing Viewpoints Search Tips or Opposing Viewpoints Search Videos. You can also reach out to Mrs. Piekutowski at Lakes and Mrs. Mason at ACHS to help you with your research needs.