Gale, a Cengage company, has developed a Google Chrome extension for its Opposing Viewpoints In Context database. The extension makes it easier for users to find and access content from Opposing Viewpoints In Context through their library from a Google search, creating a simple and direct path to authoritative digital resources. Despite guidance from librarians and educators, today’s users are accustomed to letting a Google search guide them to informational content. The Chrome extension meets users in their workflow, furthering Gale’s commitment to become better aligned to digital research.

Once configured to Chrome browsers, the extension will display results directly from the library’s Opposing Viewpoints In Context database, alongside Google search results. Unlike other extensions, Gale’s extension displays articles and documents from multiple sources rather than a single book or title. Additionally, the Chrome extension gives users the ability to view or hide document results based on their Google search.

Opposing Viewpoints In Context is part of the award-winning Gale In Context suite and is offered by thousands of academic, school and public libraries across the U.S. It delivers rich pro/con perspectives, research articles, interactive maps, infographics and other rich content to help learners think critically about the most prevalent political and social issues.

How it works

Gale’s Opposing Viewpoints In Context is the premier online resource covering today’s hottest social issues, from capital punishment to immigration to marijuana. This cross-curricular research database supports science, social studies, current events, and language arts classes. Informed, differing views help learners develop critical-thinking skills and draw their own conclusions. It forms a rich resource for debaters and includes pro/con viewpoints, reference articles, interactive maps, infographics, and more. A category on the National Debate Topic provides quick and easy access to content on frequently studied and discussed issues. Periodical content covers current events, news and commentary, economics, environmental issues, political science, and more.

Earlier this year, Glenbrook South High School in Glenview, IL piloted the beta version of the Chrome extension. Principal, Lauren Fagel told The Oracle, Glenbrook’s student newspaper, that she thinks the new extension will be beneficial to students: “I think it might point students to resources that they otherwise wouldn’t take the time to go to, and I also really like that the set of resources that it’s pointing students to are ones that have been proven to be evidence-based [and] fact-based,” Fagel said.

Kris Jacobson, Glenbrook’s school librarian told The Oracle: “I liked the idea of making our resources more accessible to students, because this would give them the opportunity, without having to take any additional effort, to be able to see what [is] available in the Opposing Viewpoints database that could support their work.”

The extension can be installed from the Chrome Web Store using a library’s location ID and password or pushed directly to shared devices by staff/administrators via the Google admin tool.

“Libraries are epicenters of information and literacy and should be at the forefront of the digital transformation of curriculum and education. In this age of fake news, authoritative content has never been more critical and Gale is committed to providing libraries and their users with reliable and trusted content. The Chrome extension provides trustworthy content from Opposing Viewpoints In Context in Google searches, helping better connect libraries to learners,” Lemma Shomali, Director of K-12 products, Gale said.

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