What is National Geographic Virtual Library?

There are 4 parts to the National Geographic archive and separate pricing applies to each. You do not have to subscribe to all of them all to have the Archive, although you do have to obtain the first part as a prerequisite to either of the 2nd or 3rd parts. The main part is the archive of the magazine from its beginning in 1888 through to the end of 1994. This period of the magazine is what National Geographic classify as their backlist

The next part of the archive is the magazine from 1995 right up to one-issue-behind the current issue. That is, this part of the archive at all times remains one month behind the current issue, with that 'current' issue being loaded in as soon as the next one comes out. This part is only available if you first subscribe to the main 'backlist' Part. If you subscribe to this part and, it is all made available on the one platform with the backlist. That is, you would have the National Geographic from 1888 through to one-issue-behind the current one all seamlessly integrated.

The third part of National Geographic called 'People, Animals and the World,' (PAW) which consists of special features and video and other multimedia produced over the years. This part is also one that is continually updated.

The fourth part is National Geographic Kids which is aimed at primary school level. This product can be subscribed to without the base national Geographic magazine.