ANN ARBOR, Mich., June 24, 2005 - ProQuest Information and Learning released today a unique new online resource for the study of the 20th century. SIRS Decades combines thousands of primary- and secondary-source documents in a student-friendly framework that provides immediacy without sacrificing context. ProQuest Information and Learning is an electronic publisher of content for libraries and educational institutions worldwide.

“SIRS Decades'  format sets a new standard for the study of decades.  We've placed primary and secondary sources into a curriculum-oriented framework that builds a relevant context for understanding, enriching the content and students’ experience with the material,” said Al DeSeta, president of K-12, ProQuest Information and Learning.  “This collection brings together hard-to-find original material, making this an exceptional resource for understanding the 20th century.” 

SIRS Decades’ organization – by decades and topics – correlates to typical K-12 coursework assignments as well as the scope and sequence of textbooks. Each decade features an overview essay, spotlighted images and a list of related topics.  When students select a topic, they are guided to relevant historic documents.  Each is accompanied by a summary that provides context and background.  That framework helps students find information and then use it.  SIRS Decades’ colorful interface allows browsing by decade, topic and timeline.  Search options include keyword, subject and advanced features for targeted research.   Educator-written, document-based questions and “So What?” call-outs for every topic help students work with the sources and better understand the modern implications of historical events.

SIRS Decades includes more than 5,000 hand-selected articles, highlighting key events, movements, people and places in 20^th Century America.  Documents span a wide range of formats – letters and memos, editorial cartoons, illustrations, ads and articles – with some being released from the UMI vault for the first time in digital format.  Streaming video and Web links connect students to the 21^st-century technology that brings full-text to life.     

For more information about SIRS Decades or any ProQuest K-12 product visit on the Web at www.proquestk12.com or call 1-800-521-0600.

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.