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48) Grzimek's Animal Life


Grzimek’s Animal Life provided by Gale Cengage

Summary:  Grzimek’s Animal Life is a large encyclopedia of animal life provided to libraries as a subscription database.  Grzimek’s was originally published as a thirteen volume set in German.  It was translated to English in 1975.  As of 2009, the encyclopedia has been available online offered by Gale Cengage.  The encyclopedia covers over 4,000 species with information on evolution, habitat, behavior, and range.  The database is updated regularly by worldwide experts.  Users are able to view photos and videos.  The database provides audio tracks to help users learn pronunciations.  The database can be translated into eleven languages and has the ability to read the articles to users.   This is a great database to learn more about the animals in our world.

Review:  This is a great research database.  The encyclopedia provides tons of information on different animal species.  Students assigned research projects or just wanting to learn more about the animal world will love this database.  The homepage contains a large search box that is easy to find.  Users will also find the top articles featured on the homepage.  There are boxes on the left hand side that will lead users to different animal species, such as mammals, reptiles, fish, ect.  If the user is merely browsing, these boxes will be helpful in learning more about each animal species. 
Once a user types in an animal in the search box, they are directed to a list of articles associated with that animal.  The first item listed is usually the encyclopedia entry.  The entry describes the animal and provides information about the animal’s behavior, diet, and conservation status.  There is also a globe that shows users where the animal lives.  The page also provides photos, illustration, and videos on the animal.  This is a great resource for teachers and students. 

Genre:  Subscription Database

Interest Level:  ages 9 and up

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