CAMBRIDGE, United Kingdom, May 26, 2004 - ProQuest Information and Learning announces the addition of two important Iberian newspapers to its UMI microform collections. El Mundo del Siglo XXI , one of the most important Madrid dailies, is known for hard-hitting investigative reporting. Diário de Notícias is Lisbon’s leading newspaper. ProQuest Information and Learning, a unit of ProQuest Company, creates and publishes databases for libraries, educational institutions and other markets worldwide.

“The addition of these newspapers cements the strength of our offerings for Southern European content. The two papers complement our strategic emphasis on Spanish and Portuguese language materials for researchers and scholars, as well.” said Rod Gauvin, ProQuest senior vice president, marketing and publishing.

El Mundo del Siglo XXI began publication in 1989. It rapidly became the second most important daily in Spain with a circulation of over 250,000. Famous for hard-hitting investigative reporting, El Mundo has a reputation for uncovering political and financial scandals. ProQuest will offer the full backfile from 1989 forward.

In 2000 , El Mundo was thrust into the international spotlight when one of its outspoken columnists, José Luis López de Lacalle was assassinated on his doorstep by members of the ETA, Euskadi Ta Askatasuna or Basque Homeland and Freedom—a victim of the ETA’s terror campaign against journalists. Undaunted, all the major Spanish newspapers rallied together, as well as many thousands of Spaniards, to show support for freedom of the press.

El Mundo boasts a significant readership in Latin America because of its in-depth reporting on national issues, such as the Basque separatist movement, and international news. El Mundo also collaborates with the major European dailies, such as Libération, Corriere della Sera and The Guardian, ensuring a truly European perspective.

Diário de Notícias is the number two Portuguese newspaper in circulation, a vital international news resource. ProQuest offers the full 139-year backfile, back to 1864, a boon to European history scholars and others. Printed in Lisbon, Diario de Notícias is the major Portuguese daily. Well-known for the quality of its reporting, the paper boasts a circulation of over 100,000.

ProQuest is the sole source for both of these titles on microfilm. Both are available by subscription to the current files and backfiles. Libraries may receive more information by contacting their product representative by calling +44 (0) 1223 215 512 or emailing marketing@proquest.co.uk

Media enquiries should be directed to Gina Ghensi, Communications Manager , ProQuest, +44 (0) 1223 271 473 or email gina.ghensi@proquest.co.uk

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