Save Gale Virtual Reference Library Items Directly to Google Drive!

For those unfamiliar, the Gale Virtual Reference Library (GVRL) is a wonderful resource of reference materials. Rather than being just ebooks meant to be read cover to cover, GVRL separates its materials so they can be searched chapter by chapter or as a whole. 

For instance, if you are looking for test prep materials and just need a practice test, you can access just that chapter rather than downloading the entire book. Unfortunately, this means that items cannot be used like "normal" ebooks, but can be accessed and downloaded as pdf and word files. Now, GVRL has Google Drive integration, making it easier than ever to download and study reference materials!

To use GVRL with Google Drive, you must first have a Google account. You can sign up or use a previous account by logging in to Google at google.com 

Please note that you do not have to have a Google Account to use GVRL, but you will need a library card to use GVRL outside the library.

Once you are signed into your Google Account, go to the library's webpage (mypl.org). GVRL can be found under Research, then Databases by Name under "G" or use this direct link. 

GVRL may ask for your library card if you are using it from outside the library.

Next, to save to your Google Drive within GVRL, sign in at the top of the page.

Now, all you have to do is find a book or article you are interested in! The search on GVRL is simple and covers all the chapters are books involved on a variety of topics.

Once you have the book you are looking for, there are many options on how to save and use each item. Because you are signed in, GVRL will save any highlights or notes you make. You can also listen to most of the items on the page or download an MP3 from the "Tools" menu on the right.

On that menu, click "Download" and you will get this:

If you choose to "Save to Google Drive," GVRL will save the article you are working with to your Google Drive and create a special folder to keep all your articles organized. Just log into your Drive as normal and look for the following:

If you have any questions about using GVRL or any other reference topic, please contact the reference desk at the main library (reference@mytpl.org or 985-876-5861, option 2) or your local branch.