A new eResource has been added to the Michigan eLibrary (MeL). Gale Presents: National Geographic Virtual Library includes 1,536 issues of National Geographic beginning with its inaugural issue from October 1888 and running through 2020. Patrons can access full-text articles and images that include some of the most iconic content ever published.

Famous Issues

One of the most recognized National Geographic covers is a photo of an Afghan girl, Sharbat Gula (June 1985). It accompanied a story about Afghani refugees after the Soviet invasion of 1979. Years later, the photographer and a team from National Geographic went back in search of the girl who became famous around the world. She again graced the cover in April of 2002 along with a story of what had become of her in the intervening years. The December 1969 issue features another famous cover that focuses on an event that captured the attention of the world: the moon landing. This cover has a photograph of Buzz Aldrin on the surface of the moon, and the accompanying article is a transcript of the communications between the three astronauts of Apollo 11 and the folks on the ground in Houston.

Places

Issues that have in-depth coverage of countries, continents, and National Parks allow us to travel without ever leaving home. Dedicated to dispelling myths about Africa, the September 2005 issue provides a fresh perspective about countries throughout the continent that many people have not visited. You can also visit Cuba (November 2012), China (May 2008), and Iran (July 1999), viewing snapshots in time of those countries. National Park issues include Yellowstone (August 2009), Yosemite (May 2011), and Sequoia (December 2012).

Scientific Discoveries

When scientific breakthroughs happen, National Geographic often covers them in ways that help readers better understand complex information. Secrets of the Gene (October 1999) describes research that might cure diseases but also bring ethical questions. The July 2005 issue included an article about stem cells and how scientific discoveries can also become political. Additional scientific issues include Healing the Heart (February 2007), The New Science of the Teenage Brain (October 2011), and The Future of Medicine (January 2019).

Explore this new eResource to see additional topics such as animals, historical events, and the environment. Storing back issues of periodicals can take up space, staff time, and funds. Gale Presents: National Geographic Virtual Library from MeL provides access to a vital scientific, historical, and cultural publication and does not take valuable resources from your budget or staff. 

If you have any MeL eResources questions or issues, contact [email protected] for help.