Gale Launches Online Subscription-Based Resource

Gale, part of Cengage Learning and a leading publisher of research and reference resources for libraries, schools and businesses has launched MyGovernment(TM), an online subscription-based resource that provides essential information on United States elected officials, candidates and their key issues, and information on how government functions.

It is produced by KnowWho, Inc. and distributed by Gale to the library market.

MyGovernment(TM) provides detailed information on United States political representatives at the federal, state and local levels. It enables users to easily locate, research and contact their elected officials, as well as access background and biographical data, committee assignments, photos, news articles and even campaign contribution sources.

It also includes a basic guide to U.S. government – including how laws are made in Congress, information on becoming a U.S. citizen, voter information, useful links and websites for additional information and more.

“Much of the political information available online is scattered across multiple websites, and it’s often hard to determine whether the information is neutral or non-partisan.” – Gerald Sawchuk publisher public library solutions

Whether users are looking to get a better understanding of government or researching a candidate before casting a vote in their next election, MyGovernment(TM) can meet their needs. It enables users to find the Who, What and Where of government:

    --  Who - Search elected representatives by name, or browse a comprehensive
        directory of legislative chambers, Federal or State government, or
        individual counties and their associated municipalities
    --  What - Search for legislators that sit on committees, or executives that
        work in departments that deal directly with specific issues
    --  Where - Enter in their zip code and find the elected officials who
        represent them in government - from the White House to their local
        municipality

A Spanish user interface will be available for MyGovernment(TM) by the end of the year, as well as a web based reporting tool for librarians. Information on 2012 presidential candidates and campaign finance applets will be available by April 2012, as the election primaries begin and candidates appear on the ballots.