Explore the Global Issues Database

The Gale Database “Global Issues in Context” is a comprehensive, up to date website that highlights important happenings from around the world. There is an “Issue of Interest” banner where you can browse topical events, or you can search for specific subjects. With collections on everything from Business to Society and Culture, this database is a treasure trove of current information.

You will find this site when you visit the Library website (hastingslibraries.co.nz) and click on the blue button that says DATABASES. Whether you’re at home or at the library, click on the Current Affairs and News button and then on to Global Issues in Context. Browse the site to find something of interest or type a topic into the search bar.

As well as articles, there are videos to look at, opinion pieces, images and reference articles to help give you a wider picture of an issue. There are options to cite, email, download and print or you can copy a link or add highlights and notes. So, this is a terrific place for students to find material for projects, or writers doing research. There are handy tips via the HELP button at the bottom of the page.

The Advanced search option helps you to narrow down your search criteria. You can also choose to read articles by lexile measure, which grades the articles according to different reading levels – just hover your mouse over the coloured squares. 

I was impressed that when I typed in a search for Albania, up came a handy overview of the country, with basic facts and statistics. “Read more” gave me a nice summary of Albania, its people, culture, economy and government, etc., while scrolling down the page offered some biographies of famous Albanians, images and videos, news and journal articles to choose from.

If you haven’t visited Global Issues in Context before, it’s well worth stopping by. And once you’ve discovered the databases corner of the Library website, you’re sure to find even more to explore. Happy hunting!

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