CAMBRIDGE, United Kingdom, December 22, 2004 - ProQuest Information and Learning announces several significant additions to its ProQuest online information service. The new and expanded features and functionality have been developed in response to user interviews and customer feedback.

"The new ProQuest releases extend support for the research community and emerging library trends,” said John Law, director, product management for ProQuest. “Dissertations and author profiles facilitate research depth and breadth while alerting services notify researchers of related new content. The XML gateway and new local administrator further enable custom integration and presentation of ProQuest resources in library online environments, allowing librarians to tailor resource placement to best meet individual curriculum or patron needs.”

New features and functionality just added to the ProQuest ® interface include:

• ProQuest Dissertations & Theses (formerly ProQuest Digital Dissertations ) has been renamed and moved to the ProQuest platform. It now supports OpenURL and federated searching. A migration information centre web page available from the ProQuest home page ( www.il.proquest.com ) helps customers with the transition
• Author Profiles from Scholar Universe now link inside ABI/INFORM®. The profiles are part of the web's fastest growing collection of accurate, up-to-date and richly linked Authority Profile™ content covering faculty members, published authors, professional researchers, and their organisational affiliations
• Improved bar code authentication makes it even easier to set-up and authenticate users to access ProQuest databases
• Durable links are shorter in article citations and My Research Summary, thanks to improved technology

Since mid-November, ProQuest users have also enjoyed these features:

• A new, more intuitive Local Administrator interface for account management with customisable search interface preferences, links to external e-resources, and more
• New email alerting services: When additional content of interest is available, when the latest issue of favourite publications are available, and when new articles matching favourite searches are available
• An XML gateway server offers an alternative to the current Z39.50 interface for better search and retrieval in federated searching of ProQuest databases in the greater library e-resource environment
• Popular ProQuest Smart Search now offers suggested topics for more cross-searchable database combinations
• Institutions can customise CrossLinks graphics and labels for links from ProQuest to external resources, graphics and “Find a copy” text on the results page
• Increased visibility of the popular My Research Summary feature makes it even easier for users to customise and email an HTML file of their selected articles, searches, and publications, with live links back to the content in ProQuest
• In ProQuest Historical Newspapers, Page Image format is now available on the results page for articles blocked due to copyright restrictions
• New OpenURL links for ProQuest MARC records fully support ProQuest Cascading Authentication for more flexible access options. The links will be automatically updated for current users

Free trials of ProQuest databases are available. Libraries may receive more information by emailing marketing@proquest.co.uk

For all media enquiries contact Gina Ghensi, Communications Manager, gina.ghensi@proquest.co.uk

About ProQuest
ProQuest creates specialized information resources and technologies that propel successful research, discovery, and lifelong learning. A global leader in serving libraries of all types, ProQuest offers the expertise of such respected brands as Chadwyck-Healey™, UMI®, SIRS®, and eLibrary®. With Serials Solutions®, Ulrich's™, RefWorks®, COS™, Dialog® and now Bowker® part of the ProQuest brand family, the company supports the breadth of the information community with innovative discovery solutions that power the business of books and the best in research experience.

More than a content provider or aggregator, ProQuest is an information partner, creating indispensable research solutions that connect people and information. Through innovative, user-centered discovery technology, ProQuest offers billions of pages of global content that includes historical newspapers, dissertations, and uniquely relevant resources for researchers of any age and sophistication—including content not likely to be digitized by others. Inspired by its customers and their end users, ProQuest is working toward a future that blends information accessibility with community to further enhance learning and encourage lifelong enrichment.

For more information, visit www.proquest.com or the ProQuest parent company website, www.cig.com.