CAMBRIDGE, United Kingdom, December 29, 2006 - Serials Solutions, a business unit of ProQuest Information and Learning, has just released a new e-journal subject browsing feature based on the Columbia University Libraries' Hierarchical Interface to Library of Congress Classification (HILCC).

Developed in response to requests from librarians for more flexible and powerful subject browsing capability, the new feature enables users to quickly and easily find e-journals in specific subject areas. This release upgrades Serials Solutions' core subject browsing architecture and makes it easy to offer even more improvements in the future. For example, it lays the groundwork for customised subject hierarchies that more specifically reflect the unique nature of individual libraries. These further enhancements are scheduled for release in 2006.

“E-journal subject browsing enhances librarians' ability to align resources with curricula,” said Mike Showalter, MLS, group product manager at Serials Solutions. “For example, a professor can view all of the journals in ‘Economic History' or just those in ‘Economic Theory.' But the development challenge was to link journal records to the subject hierarchy in a way that allows for easy modification and enhancements to meet the needs of more than 1,500 libraries worldwide.”

Combining Library of Congress class numbers from CONSER MARC records, the HILCC methodology developed by Columbia University librarians, and the authoritative e-journal data and delivery systems pioneered by Serials Solutions provides several benefits. One significant benefit is that the new subject feature can easily grow based on library feedback and the ongoing growth in the number of journals available electronically.

“Our decision to build a hierarchical interface based on LC Classification has given us a robust, flexible and easily maintained system for e-journal browsing,” said Bob Wolven, Columbia 's Director of Library Systems and Bibliographic Control. “We're pleased to see that value extended to Serials Solutions customers, and hope others will find it as useful as we have.”

“The Library of Congress subject classification system is a time-tested standard that works extremely well for creating an online browsable hierarchy,” said Showalter. “As part of our commitment to deliver libraries complete solutions for today's electronic collections, we are excited to offer this enhancement that increases the accessibility of e-resources to all patrons. The work done by librarians at the Library of Congress, Columbia University , and Serials Solutions combine to benefit all Serials Solutions subscribers.”

The new subject browsing is immediately available to all Serials Solutions subscribers through the E-Journal Portal and as a stand-alone feature anywhere in a library or university's web site. Because the service is hosted by Serials Solutions, the enhancement has been deployed by Serials Solutions and requires no work from subscribing librarians.

If you would like further product information please e-mail marketing@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.