Gale Virtual Reference Library (GVRL)

• Reference eBooks accessible via the BCPS Database Portal

• Subjects:  Education (professional collection), Environment, Literature, Science 

• Home access requires BCPS password for Gale Virtual Reference Library; database home-access passwords are linked at top of Database Portal page.
• GVRL Features (use Tool Bar buttons): 
• Search the entire GVRL collection for books/articles on a specific topic.
• Bookmark:  Create a "permanent link" to paste into webpages or digital docs, or Save to Browser Favorites.
• Print, Email, Download a PDF, get a Citation for Bibliography/Works Cited.
• After opening a section/chapter: Listen, Download MP3, Download PDF to E-Reader via USB-connected device (e.g. Kindle) 
• Title List (all titles in GVRL database), Dictionary, HELP 
• HELP GUIDE (How to ...) 

TIPS & TUTORIALS for using GVRL:

• ABOUT GVRL | BCPS Snapshot | Navigation Guide | GVRL Help | Search Tips
• Video Tutorials:  Bookmark Your Favorites (1:22) Browse & Search (3:12) Download PDF to Your eReader (1:56) Listen to Your Articles (1:50) Perform Complex Searches (3:12)   

ASCD Education Collection Book Shelf 

• Collection of professional education titles published by Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development; special collection in Gale Virtual Reference Library database.
• Accessible via the BCPS Database Portal in GVRL  - or- under Professional > ASCD Book Shelf 
• Also accessible via Destiny Library Catalog: 
• Desktop shortcut  @ School; destiny.bcps.org @ Home
• See RESOURCE LIST >  eBooks: Professional Library 
• Format labeled   (Electronic Resource)
• Status labeled "ASK" (not "IN" or "OUT") / No Copies 
• Click on link: Available for Baltimore County Public Schools via Gale Virtual Reference Library. Click here to access
• Under Additional Info in Destiny Quest
• Under Explore in Destiny Classic.

TIPS & TUTORIALS for using ASCD Book Shelf:

• ABOUT | Snapshot | Book Study Guides | Help/Searching Tips  |  Educational Titles List of 55 Top Books in Teaching and Learning  

TIP!  The BCPS Database Portal may be quickly accessed three ways:

1. From DESTINY:  Exit Destiny Quest > click  HOME tab > click Databases & eBooks on left sidebar
2. From GJSMS Edline homepage: Library Media Center tab > BCPS Databases
3. From BCPS homepage: Students tab> Research, Study & Learning Resources (under Quick Links)

Explore GVRL or ASCD BookShelf for titles that might be useful for your teaching or professional development.  Try using the various tools and features. Email an eBook link to yourself for future reference!

eBooks in GJSMS DESTINY Library Collection - Follett Digital Reader & Follett Shelf

DESTINY @ School:  Click desktop icon 

DESTINY @ Home:  Go to destiny.bcps.org and select our school 

• Format labels -  eBooks      Print books
• Both formats include Reading Levels/Lexiles 

• eBooks can be previewed OR read in their entirety online without Checking Out,
• HOWEVER, tools (Bookmarks, Highlighting, Notes, etc.) cannot be used unless you Check Out the eBook. 
• To CHECK OUT an eBook, users must first log into DESTINY with BCPS Username/Password; STUDENTS use their INTERNAL password. 
• Clicking on an eBook will launch Follett Shelf in another window  

Two types of eBooks:

• Unlimited Simultaneous Access 
• Unlimited library patrons can check out the eBook at the same time.
• Not all Library titles are available in this format from publishers.
• Single User Access  
• One patron at a time can check out the eBook for a 3-week load period (same loan period as print library books).

See RESOURCE LISTS for eBooks by genre/topic. In Destiny Quest, click Search Lists to see all eBook lists.

To SEARCH for ALL eBooks in our Library collection:

1. Exit Destiny Quest (due to a "glitch" in the system, the USA eBooks are not showing up when you search on "ebook" in Destiny Quest)
2. Click on CATALOG tab in Destiny Classic
3. Click Library Search on left sidebar
4. Under Narrow your search to ...  pull down the Material Type menu to Electronic Book (eBook)
5. Leave the "Find" field empty and click Keyword 
6. Scroll down to the bottom and click Show All 

TIPS & TUTORIALS for using DESTINY eBooks:

• Follett Digital Reader (Online) Quick Reference Guide
• Follett Digital Reader Help 
• eBooks in the Classroom | Lesson Ideas
• eBook FAQ's 
• Video tutorials: 

TIPS:  

• In our current version of DESTINY, you must click on an eBook in order to launch Follett Shelf. Follett Shelf should be a button on the DESTINY sidebar in the next DESTINY software upgrade (scheduled for January).
• Press F11 key for maximum FULL SCREEN of Digital Reader 

               Single User                    Unlimited Simultaneous Access  

In Follett Shelf, books with a status of UNLIMITED SIMULTANEOUS ACCESS are labeled with a green ribbon showing the infinity symbol:

Go to DESTINY and access a few eBooks via the RESOURCE LISTS or use the SEARCH procedure shown here a left.  Check Out an eBook and test-drive the tools and features in the Follett Shelf digital e-reader.  Use the Return Early feature if you don't plan to finish reading the eBook! 

TumbleBooks Cloud

Online collection of eBooks and read-along chapter books, graphic novels, educational videos, and audio books.

• All books are unlimited access, all the time, from any device with an Internet browser. 
• Lexiles, Lesson Plans and Quizzes. 
• Read-Along feature combines ebook format with professional narration and  highlighted text so kids can follow along.
• Students can read and submit Reviews.

• Access TumbleBooks Cloud via BCPS Database Portal under Grades 6-12 

• See also TumbleBooks Cloud Jr. and TumbleBooks under Grades K-6; selections for younger readers, may be useful for introducing or illustrating some curriculum concepts. 

MORE K-12 eBook Resources:

• Scoopit of free and licensed K-12 eBook resources curated by BCPS Office of Library Information Services; new resources continually added!