Gale Virtual Reference library
The Gale Virtual Reference Platform offers a wide rage of reference eBooks many of which are suitable for a public library audience.
In January 2014 ReadersFirst published, A Guide to Library E-Book Vendors which is available for free. The guide will be particularly useful to those libraries that do not as yet offer eBooks to their communities and libraries contemplating expanding their existing offerings. eBook vendors are objectively rated in accordance to the key principals advocated by the ReadersFirst coalition.
| Pay Model | Title by Title purchase and subject sets |
| Ownership Model | Yes, an archival copy of the eBook is available, however archival copy is housed with a third party digital preservation platform (Portico) in the event of the Gale Company ceasing operations. |
| Administration Fee |
yes, minimal annual fee. |
| Publisher Content | Extensive list of reference publishers |
| Compatible with eReaders | Web Browser based devices only |
| Compatible with Kindle | no (kindle Fire yes) |
| File Formats | HTML, PDF |
| Simultaneous/unlimited checkout | Yes |
| Audio Books | no |
| Download Method | Adobe Digital Editions |
| Deep catalogue Integration | no |
| App for Android | tno |
| App for iPhone | no |
| Software Ease of Setup | similar to traditional magazine database (easy) |
| Platform Authentication | CPID: Library Barcode |
| Software ease of use for library patron |
Easy for titles viewed online. No information on download option at present. |
| NSW.net Consortia Opt-in Offer | no |
| Subscribing NSW Public Libraries |
Campbelltown Library, Hornsby Library, Liverpool Library, Manly Library, Newcastle Library, Sutherland Library, Woollahra Library
If your Library Service offers this service and is not listed please contact Ross Balharrie ross.balharrie@sl.nsw.gov.au . If you library no longer offers this platform please notify Ross Balharrie ross.balharrie@sl.nsw.gov.au |