There is a lot of controversy around Google’s book search tool, but it has some advantages for our work in the library. Before looking at the advantages - let’s first explore some of the features.
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Hands-on Demonstration
- Right click Google books (open in new window/tab)
Scenario: student has to find out why artifacts found at a burial site indicate that it is the grave of an ancient Greek priestess....
- Search for ancient Greek priestess burial
- Choose a book that has preview displayed underneath the title (Note: opens up on a specific page, options along the top, you can search for words within the book)
- Click on About this book - scroll down and have a look at information available. Note some books will have a tag cloud, others will have a list of contents.
You can also filter your results according to viewing agreements between Google and Publishers/Authors:
- Click on the Back button to go back to your results list
- Use the drop down menu and choose Full view only - have a look at your results
- Let's go back to home page and explore the magazines featured. Many of the magazines are older editions, but some have up to date issues added.
As Always, the Advanced search makes it easy to narrow down your search considerably.
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Why use Google book search in our work
- It makes it easier to decide whether the book would be appropriate for a recommendation for purchase because of helpful information on the book such as the table of contents, the words/phrases tag cloud, book reviews and book overview. Of course, you would also look at other resources such as the Global Books In Print database, Amazon, etc.
- It gives easy access to books in the public domain. And, because it is full text search, it is easy to search for the quote you need.
- It is another way of verifying facts through the snippets of information gleaned from the content views. (Verifying facts means you should consult a variety of sources.)
- For fiction works it is sometimes useful to read the first few pages of an unfamiliar author's work before deciding whether this is the kind of book that appeals to you.
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Video Demonstration
Have a look at this video of two people who found Google book search very useful.Though this video is part of the Google channel and is used as a promotion for Google book search, it still serves as an inspiration for using the service. There are other videos about people using Google Book search at this channel.
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DISCOVERY EXERCISES
- Search for the book The duchess of Malfi - selecting the full view option.
- Search for magazine pictures that portray the 1950's lifestyle.
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Updated: September 2010
