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National Geographic Virtual Library

By Kirsten Perris | 18 May 2020

Series: Our favourite State Library eresources.

People often ask us what our most loved eresources are. Admittedly we all have a favourite, or two, or three. It’s hard to pick as there are so many wonderful State Library eresources available. In this series our Librarians and Library Technicians share with you their most favourite eresources and how they’ve been used to solve research queries.

Next in the series we look at National Geographic Virtual Library, a big favourite of Librarian Suezy Malan.

Image of National Geographic Virtual Library database home page

Image of National Geographic Virtual Library database home page

So why is National Geographic Virtual Library so fabulous?

You can access the entire collection of the iconic National Geographic Magazine from its first edition published in 1888 until now. It’s all available in the one place, every page of every issue, along with a cross-searchable collection of National Geographic books, maps, images and videos you can explore the world without leaving home.

Best of all, you can access National Geographic Virtual Library online from home with your free State Library membership

Explore

Just like scrolling through the pages of a hardcopy magazine, National Geographic Virtual Library is designed for those who like to browse. The home page provides a selection of 'Spotlights', a random selection featuring the front cover of past editions. This helps you discover and explore more easily. Click the 'Browse Magazines' tab to explore past editions in order of publication date.

Discover

Perhaps you are researching a topic and want to find specific resources related to that topic. National Geographic Virtual Library is fully searchable, with basic and advanced options, to help you find the information you need. To get the most out of your search results you check their 'Help' page.

Learn

National Geographic is synonymous with rethinking the world as we know it. From the iconic National Geographic magazine to the popular National Geographic Traveler and hundreds of books, maps, videos and images, there’s simply no substitute for the depth and quality of information available through this database.

Not to mention a dedicated section for children. National Geographic Kids featuring reputable, authoritative, and age-appropriate digital content that brings them the world through magazines, books, pictures and videos. Your child will go on amazing adventures in science, nature, culture, archaeology, and space through National Geographic Kids.

Image of National Geographic Kids database home page

Image of National Geographic Kids database home page

Some of the most incredible images you will ever see!

Before the days of affordable international travel, National Geographic brought the world to you through stunning photography of people, place and culture. You can spend hours scrolling through images and immersing yourself in other worlds through National Geographic Virtual Library. And a big tip - click on the 'Full screen mode' icon to thoroughly appreciate the visual mastery of these images.

Image from National Geographic Virtual Library database

Image from National Geographic Virtual Library database

Exploring National Geographic Virtual Library is a wonderful way to spend some time during COVID-19 social restrictions… or anytime! It is the perfect resource for armchair travellers, students and anyone curious about the world we live in.  

Join now, start searching National Geographic Virtual Library, and discover the world.

Look out for the next blog in this series #FavouriteEresources

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