Bringing Exploration to the Library: Gale and National Geographic Sign Agreement for Magazine Archive

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., Jan. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Gale, part of Cengage Learning and a leading publisher of research and reference resources for libraries, schools and businesses, and National Geographic, one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations, today announced an agreement to provide an online archive of more than 100 years of National Geographic magazine. Available to libraries this spring, National Geographic Magazine Archive, 1888-1994 will include all issues of the magazine in a fully searchable and intuitive interface.

"The National Geographic Society, one of the most respected organizations in the world, has inspired people to care about the planet for more than 100 years," said Jim Draper, vice president and publisher, Gale. "We are honored to bring National Geographic magazine, the Society's publication of record, to libraries everywhere, and to open a world of discovery, exploration and appreciation for cultures near and far for all patrons."

National Geographic magazine has long been the leading global publication in empowering people to better understand the world in which we live, providing authoritative, unbiased content that addresses today's complex issues, while uncovering the wonders of our time. From the discovery of fossils of human ancestors by Richard Leakey in Kenya to polar exploration, archaeological finds of Maya and Inca cultures and Robert Ballard's discovery of the wreckage of the Titanic, National Geographic Magazine Archive, 1888-1994 is an essential resource for scholars as well as a fascinating collection for general readers.

"For over a century, through timely articles and legendary photographs and maps, National Geographic magazine has documented life on our planet and beyond and interpreted the world's sweeping changes through the lens of personal experience," said Declan Moore, president of National Geographic Publishing. "The vast knowledge base contained within the National Geographic Magazine Archive is an unparalleled resource on cultures, nature, science, technology, energy and the environment."

Also included in the more-than-100,000-page archive will be every stunning photograph published in the magazine through 1994. Among the first to use color photography, National Geographic magazine is widely known to contain the highest quality photojournalism in the world, with each life-like, authentic photograph allowing readers to visually explore the new worlds they are learning about. In addition to each page and photograph, the archive will include the detailed maps published by the magazine throughout its history. The maps help to provide context and reference for readers who are learning about unknown and often remote regions and cultures for the first time.

For more information on the National Geographic Magazine Archive, 1888-1994, please visit http://gdc.gale.com/ or contact Kristina Massari at [email protected]. You can also learn more about the archive and other Gale products at the Gale booth (#2219) on the exhibit floor of the American Library Association Midwinter meeting in Dallas, Texas, Jan. 20-23.

About Cengage Learning and Gale
Cengage Learning is a leading provider of innovative teaching, learning and research solutions for the academic, professional and library markets worldwide. Gale, part of Cengage Learning, serves the world's information and education needs through its vast and dynamic content pools, which are used by students and consumers in their libraries, schools and on the Internet. It is best known for the accuracy, breadth and convenience of its data, addressing all types of information needs -- from homework help to health questions to business profiles -- in a variety of formats. For more information, visit www.cengage.com or www.gale.cengage.com.

About the National Geographic Society
The National Geographic Society is one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to "increase and diffuse geographic knowledge," the Society's mission is to inspire people to care about the planet. National Geographic reflects the world through its magazines, television programs, films, music and radio, books, DVDs, maps, exhibitions, live events, school publishing programs, interactive media and merchandise. National Geographic magazine, the Society's official journal, published in English and 33 local-language editions, is read by more than 60 million people each month. The National Geographic Channel reaches more than 380 million households in 37 languages in 163 countries. National Geographic Digital Media receives more than 19 million visitors a month. National Geographic has funded more than 10,000 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program promoting geography literacy. www.nationalgeographic.com.

SOURCE Cengage Learning