Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Gospel Library 3.0.1

I prefer the text list
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints published version 3.0 of its Gospel Library app for iPhone and iPad (I'll refer to it as GL3 for the remainder of the blog post). I think I'm doing it injustice by writing a single blog post about it because this update completely revamped the previous version. Also, it's FREE!

As you can see from the left, it is the main menu of GL3. You can choose to view between thumbnails or list of items. I prefer the simple text list since it causes less lag when scrolling down. Interestingly, you can also create your own collection of items in this app. I haven't found the use for it yet, but I may try downloading Jesus the Christ or something like that in the near future just to explore the full capability of that feature.

The globe button you see there allows you to change the language on your app. It's not quite obvious unless your curiosity got you there in the first place.

Like the previous version, you have the Search button. I do not believe there's a way to narrow down your search to certain collections at this time, so you need to know what you are searching for fairly well if you are to look for a specific item. The Bookmark and History tabs also returned, along with the same features.

It searches for everything!
In the Settings, you can Sync with the Church's website for changes you made through your LDS account. I don't find too many uses for the Appearance and Reading Options yet because I'm comfortable with the default settings. If you wish to change the brightness and the way pages are set up, you are welcome to do so through those options.

Most people ignore the About page when it comes to programs and apps. The About page is actually worthwhile in the GL3. Aside from the obligatory version history, etc., the page introduces the user to other LDS-related apps in addition to the offer of following on Facebook and/or Twitter.

Overall, I like the new Gospel Library. It has many materials which were available through LDS.org, but somewhat tricky to access due to navigation and laziness of surfer themselves.

I personally find the various handbooks and manuals useful. While I do not believe that e-books can easily replace the gratification of actually holding a book in your hands, the convenience factor is very attractive. If you are looking into past General Conference talks, you can look up all the way back to 1971! It'll certainly take a few years to digest all that information and I guarantee you won't run out of spiritual thoughts for decades! The same goes for the Church magazines. I honestly don't think I will be able to read everything for at least 20 years when I can read issues all the way back to 1971 as well.

Lacking a consistent father-figure throughout my life, I especially find the books on priesthood responsibilities and leadership useful and relevant to my situation. Don't get my wrong, I appreciate the contributions made by the adult males in my life, but I've spent more time living away from family than spending enough quality time with them.

The one gripe I have about this app, however, is the organization of notes from highlighting scriptures, talks, etc. I know I can create categories and headings for my notes, but I still can't place them individually into the desired folder unless I log into the Church's main website. Perhaps there's a way to do it and I just haven't figure out how yet. Needless to say, even if there is such an option, it is not obvious at first glance.

To sum it up, what I like about this app:
  • Simple to use
  • Organized (may be a bit tough at first)
  • Various other apps available for learning
  • Deep archives of talks, articles, etc.
  • Definitely crashes less often than v2.5
What I think this app could improve on:
  • Improvements in note organization; at least, up to par with the same features on the website
  • Slight lag issue when using thumbnail view
  • Some sort of advanced search option
  • For Android, maybe?
Anyway, everyone with an Apple device should try it out. It's FREE! So, happy enriching your lives!

"And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom, seek learning even by study and also by faith" - D&C 109:7

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