Ghana Library Authority updates its Digital Library App with new Features
The Ghana Library Authority launched a Mobile Library App in 2019 as part of its objective to increase accessibility to reading materials through technology. The App which was designed by in-house staff, was to connect patrons of the library digitally. It has undergone impressive improvement since then.
Shortly after there was a closure of schools in a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19, all libraries nationwide were closed down. Hence, the library app became an indispensable tool that allowed patrons to digitally continue to enjoy the services provided by the library.
The Authority in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Center for Distance Learning and Open Schooling (CENDLOS) recently updated its Mobile Library App to be more user friendly and have a plethora of features which include the following:
· On-demand videos in different subject areas.
· Audio books.
· eBooks
· Events section (both past and upcoming).
· Location of Libraries nationwide.
· “Create your own library†section (My Shelf).
· Ability to adjust the font size, font face/style and background setting.
· Suggested educational sites.
· Estimated time taken to complete a page.
· Night and Day reading functionality.
· In-built dictionary for IOS devices.
The digital library app can now be accessed on a laptop or desktop using a browser. Previously, the content on the App were mainly classics from various vendors such as Worldreader, Feedbooks, Standard ebooks, among others. Now it has a long list of interesting contents worth reading and watching.
About the App
The Ghana Library App, is a digital library app, providing access to eBooks, audiobooks and educational videos available on Android and IOS. The App offers a collection of over 7,000 free reading and learning materials which included free GES curriculum ebooks, tutorial videos and audio books from Kindergarten to Senior High School/TVET and also fiction and non-fiction content to suit the general public.
To register:
· Go to Play Store or App Store.
· Search “Ghana Library App†and download it.
· Begin your registration by entering your details. A Library Card number and a password would be sent to your email for sign-in after registration.
· Users can also use their email or phone number in place of library card to sign in.
· Once you enter your given user name (Library card number, phone number or email address) and password, you will be taken to the home page of the app and then you can select the category (Kindergarten, Primary, Secondary and Public Library) you prefer.
· When you download a book, video or audio it automatically saves the content and it is kept in “My Shelf†on the app.
Source: GhLA