Gale Announces Two New Mobile Applications for Public and College Libraries

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., Oct. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Gale, part of Cengage Learning, today announced the availability of the first AccessMyLibrary Public Edition Android application and the first AccessMyLibrary College Edition application for iOS devices (iPhone, iTouch and iPad).

Rather than sifting through internet sites that aren't always reliable, AccessMyLibrary (AML) apps allow students and patrons instant access to credible library reference sources in seconds. With a simple click of the app, users can find reliable information from over 20,000 magazines and journals and thousands of encyclopedias covering many topics. Whether looking for health and science information, business plans or auto repair manuals, all is available from any location on the go.

The AML Public Edition Android app allows researchers using an Android device to access Gale resources through public libraries within a 10-mile radius, similar to the Public Edition applications already created for Apple devices.

The AML College Edition is the first Gale app for college students and gives them anytime, anywhere access to the Gale resources available through their college library. Students can use the app to locate their school and then authenticate for the school year by providing their school-issued email address.

"We are always looking for ways to help libraries reach new users," said Nader Qaimari, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Cengage Learning. "With the addition of the Public Edition Android app and the College Edition iOS device app, access to library research is just a click away on many mobile phones, without the traditional hassles around discovery and authentication."

In addition, Quick Response (QR) codes, 2D barcodes that can be decoded at high speed, are now available for all AML apps. After downloading a QR code-scanning app, mobile phone users can scan the AML QR code with their barcode reader to be automatically taken to the Gale apps web site.

In December 2009, Gale launched its first AML Public Edition app, helping iPhone users access Gale resources through their local public libraries. In May, Gale announced the AML School Edition app for the iPhone, making it possible for students using an iPhone to access the Gale resources available in their school library from any location. Gale then followed up with the AML Public Edition app for iPad users in June. In addition, the following AML apps are currently in development:

• AccessMyLibrary School Edition for the iPad
• AccessMyLibrary School Edition for Android
• AccessMyLibrary College Edition for Android

All AML apps for iOS devices (iPhone, iTouch and iPad) can be downloaded at the iTunes store. The AML Public Edition Android app can be downloaded from the Android Marketplace. All AML apps are free and additional information, including QR codes, posters, bookmarks and other library marketing resources can be found at http://www.gale.cengage.com/apps/.

For more information, please contact Kristina Massari at [email protected].

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.com.

SOURCE Cengage Learning