The Gale Virtual Reference Library consists of the Information Plus series and 6 other reference titles that the AUP library has purchased:

Berkshire Encyclopedia of World History
"The first true encyclopedic reference on world history, this definitive work meets the needs of students, teachers, and scholars for a connected, holistic view of world history. Developed by a team of leading scholars and educators, its 550 articles were written by historians, archaeologists, anthropologists, sociologists, geographers, and other experts from around the world. Emphasis is on cultural contact and social change over time and place; comparisons across time and place; and extensive coverage of arts, literature, religion, and science."

Encyclopedia of Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity
"Genocide has been with us since the beginning of history and is a key feature to the study of world history at nearly every level. The most widely-studied and catastrophic examples are, however, historically close to the present day: the Nazi Holocaust, "ethnic cleansing" in Bosnia, tribal warfare in Rwanda and more. The Encyclopedia spans the globe to explain the issues behind crimes against humanity and human rights issues as they relate to individual countries and the world at large. It traces the history of events that qualify as genocide and crimes against humanity, profiles perpetrators and heroes, and explains international laws and law proceedings aimed at ending genocide and crimes against humanity. It also delves into depictions and manifestations of the phenomenon, such as propaganda, sociological and philosophical explanations, literature and film."

Encyclopedia of Major Marketing Campaigns
"There is a growing need for information that describes successes and failures of market trends, strategies and initiatives. From Gale, the Encyclopedia of Major Marketing Campaigns looks at 500 major marketing and advertising campaigns of the 20th century from a historical perspective and several related initiatives of earlier years that developed the basis for present day advertising. Entry articles, averaging 2,000 words in length, look at the advertising campaign's or market initiative's historical context, target market, expected outcomes, competition, marketing strategy and development hurdles and the outcome of the campaign — what worked, what didn't and why. The entry ends with further information for researchers — references to competitors and annotated citations to relevant campaigns and periodical articles."

Encyclopedia of Social Theory
"Reference source for anyone interested in the roots of contemporary social theory. The encyclopedia examines the global landscape of all the key theories and the theorists behind them, presenting them in the context needed to understand their strengths and weaknesses."

Europe 1450-1789 Encyclopedia of the Early Modern World
"Explores European history from 1450-1789, from the print revolution to the French Revolution. Includes 1,150 articles written by eminent scholars covering major topics in art, government, and education as well as providing biographical entries on key figures of the period. Also covers topics specific to the era, such as apocalypticism, guilds, food riots, royal mistresses and lovers, the Spanish Inquisition, Utopia and others."

Historical Atlas of the Islamic World
"Among the great civilizations of the world, Islam remains an enigma to Western readers. Now, in a beautifully illustrated historical atlas, noted scholar of religion Malise Ruthven recounts the fascinating and important history of the Islamic world."

The Information Plus Reference Series includes 20 books online:  American Economy; The American Family: Reflecting a Changing Nation; Child Abuse: Betraying a Trust; Electronic America; Energy: Supplies, Sustainability, and Costs; Gambling: What's at Stake; Growing up in America; Gun Control: Retricting Rights or Protecting People; The Health Care System; National Security; Recreation: Leisure in American Society; Violent Relationships: Battering and Abuse Among Adults; Alcohol and Tobacco: America's Drugs of Choice; Animal Rights; Genetics and Genetic Engineering; Homeless in America: How Could it Happen Here; Illegal Drugs: America's Anguish; Immigration and Illegal Aliens: Burden or Blessing; Prisons and Jails: A Deterrent to Crime; Water: No Longer Taken for Granted. 

The Information Plus Reference Series contains general statistical information on social issues - reliable, factual information.  Information refers to the United States.