Gale Launches Online Citizen Resource, MyGovernment
FARMINGTON HILLS -- Gale, part of Cengage Learning and a publisher of research and reference resources for libraries, schools and businesses, has launched MyGovernment, an online subscription-based resource that provides essential information on United States elected officials, candidates and their key issues, and information on how our government functions.
It is produced by Alexandria, Va.-based KnowWho Inc. and distributed by Gale to the library market.
MyGovernment 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.
MyGovernment 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. It is the only resource that teaches users how government works and brings together and organizes the information needed to become a well-informed voter.
"Much of the political information available online is scattered across multiple Web sites, and it's often hard to determine whether the information is neutral or non-partisan," said Gerald Sawchuk, publisher, public library solutions, Gale. "With MyGovernment, users can find access to all the information they need from a trusted source. The product's best feature is that it is very easy to use, unlike most government resources and related Web sites. The easy-to-use format makes it simple for citizens to understand and participate in their government."
Whether users are looking to get a better understanding of government or researching a candidate before casting a vote in their next election, MyGovernment ™ 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 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.
For more information on MyGovernment or to request a trial, please visit www.gale.cengage.com/mygovernment or contact Kristina Massari at kristina.massari@cengage.com.
