ANN ARBOR, Mich., January 18, 2007 - At the American Library Association's Midwinter Conference, ProQuest Information and Learning launched the first of several enhancements to its SIRS Discoverer® resource. This leading general reference database designed specifically for younger students will now include SIRS WebFind, a collection of more than 5,000 editor-reviewed websites that deliver high-interest, educational Web. The integrated product, SIRS Discoverer WebFind, increases online safety.

"Elementary and middle school students want to be on the Internet, but the open Internet is often not a safe or appropriate space for them," said Rene Terry, publisher for SIRS, a distinguished brand in the ProQuest Information and Learning family.  "The exceptional editorial selection and daily monitoring process of WebFind lets libraries' younger patrons securely experience the Internet."

SIRS Discoverer is an award-winning, general reference resource for young researchers that helps students in grades 1-9 develop their research, writing, language, and computer skills. Currently, more than 10 million students have access to SIRS Discoverer in their schools and public libraries.

WebFind, integrated within SIRS Discoverer, adds an extensive collection of carefully chosen, reliable and credible Internet resources on almost any subject appropriate for young researchers.  Search and access to the websites is seamless, appearing within the search results screen.  In addition, SIRS Discoverer WebFind includes several proven reference and educational tools: organization by SIRS Discoverer topics, keyword search, state curriculum standards correlations, reading levels, website summaries, and Editor's Top Pick.

 

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.