In response to LDS Church members increased use of technology for gospel learning, the church updated its Gospel Library app last month for iOS devices and given the app significant improvements and new features. The new Gospel Library app, Gospel Library 3 available for iOS 6 devices i.e. iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, introduces a simplified interface, improved content layout, and improved study tools. Tugsbayar Bat, a junior from Mongolia studying business management, said, “I really like it. It’s a lot easier to change languages. I also really like how you can download like everything.” Upon opening the app, users are brought to the library homepage where they can select icons from a drop down list featuring scriptures, manuals, general conferences, and many other gospel categories. Users are also able to study the gospel more effectively with improved study tools that allow users to highlight information in different colors, write personal notes, access links, and even watch videos. Members can also post gospel content via social networking websites e.g. Facebook, blogs, Instagram, etc. Elder Christoffel Golden Jr., a member of the Seventy overseeing the project said, “This new version will help members improve their study by inclusion of additional materials, images, and videos to the content as well as improved personal study and sharing tools,” In an effort to provide design consistency with church material, the new app includes better typography, more images, embedded videos, and improved layout. For example, go to the library and open Preach My Gospel. The reformatted interface provides all the graphics and designs from the text Preach My Gospel. These digital books look and feel like their printed counterparts. The app also includes new content, including Personal Progress and written and audio versions of Jesus the Christ. Brenton Cates, a junior from Galena, Kansas, studying pre-med, said, “I think it’s really handy, but there’s just something special about having a paper copy of the scriptures and the manuals.” Those who enjoy watching gospel videos will be pleased with the app’s new video feature. Video can be streamed to your iOS device or you can download it and watch it later. The video section includes content for personal and instructional use. The app also features higher download speeds for quicker download times. Tawny Gorbutt a senior studying anthropology from Virginia, described the new gospel app in two words, “Convenient and practical. I would much rather carry everything I need for church on my phone than carry eight manuals with me.”
Writer: Homer Wolman & LDS.org~Multimedia Journalist
