14 DAY TRIAL // Gale is an initiative that serves the world's information and education needs through vast and dynamic content pools. As part of Cengage Learning, Gale has announced the launch of AccessMyLibrary School Edition, an educational app for the iPhone. The software reportedly makes access to school libraries just a click away, and has a particular focus on key topics such as the environment, biographies, careers, literature, science and history.
Via a press release issued yesterday, Gale reveals that December 2009 witnessed the launch of its first iPhone application, which aided users in finding their local public library. According to the report, “The new K-12 version allows students to find their local school library – (grade schools, middle schools and high schools) and access the vast array of Gale resources the school library has purchased on their behalf.” Gale says that students will use a password provided by the school to authenticate for the school year.
“With this new AccessMyLibrary iPhone application, the school library is available anytime remotely, helping to make library resources even more easily accessible,” John Barnes, Gale's executive vice president of strategic marketing and business development, said. “This application is making research accessible to students in the way they prefer to learn, taking advantage of the latest technology. Students are able to access their school's Gale databases in order to finish homework, work on a project or do research."
AccessMyLibrary School Edition reportedly uses vetted sources including magazines, journals and newspapers, which allow Gale to push the following topics onto students:
Environment - unearth facts on conservation and sustainability; Biographies - discover the stories of remarkable people of yesterday and today; Career choices - uncover interesting career paths and industries; Literature - read commentary, criticism and context on literary works and their authors; Science - find current, credible research and experiments that allow for first-hand experience; History - explore past events and their impact on shaping the world of today.
AccessMyLibrary School Edition is available for free download to anyone using an iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad using the link below.