ANN ARBOR, Mich., November 27, 2007 - ProQuest and Allen County Public Library (Ft. Wayne, IN) add another milestone in their longstanding alliance with the release of the newest data in the Periodical Source Index (PERSI). With this update, PERSI now contains more than 2 million citations from over 6,600 periodicals published in the United States, Canada, and abroad. The new release includes indexing for over 132,000 articles from 2006 and 2007. No other index covers periodical research in local history and genealogy as extensively as PERSI.

As a preliminary step, most genealogical researchers focus on finding primary source documents like census images or using indexes of primary sources. In addition to these resources, genealogists can significantly enhance their research by including secondary sources such as genealogy or local history periodicals as a key finding aid. "If one doesn't use periodical literature on a consistent basis, 33 percent of source material leads may go unnoticed," said Curt Witcher, Genealogy Center manager, Allen County Public Library. "PERSI is already a tremendous resource for genealogists and local historians interested in identifying the data available in periodical literature specific to their research endeavors. Expanded access to periodical literature will be of great benefit to researchers."

"This release demonstrates the continued commitment of both organizations to serving the genealogical researchers through their libraries,” said Chris Cowan, vice president of publishing for ProQuest. "This PERSI release is part of ProQuest's ongoing effort to make information easily discoverable for genealogists and local history researchers. PERSI serves as an exceptional resource for guiding researchers through more than 6,600 periodicals published throughout the world."

PERSI is the standard for periodical research in local history and genealogy.  This comprehensive subject index covers genealogy and local history periodicals written in English since 1800.   It helps researchers quickly locate helpful articles about families, local history and records, and genealogical methodology.

HeritageQuest Online is the leading genealogy product in libraries throughout the U.S. and Canada. As a key component of HeritageQuest™ Online, PERSI is available online exclusively in the library market from ProQuest. On HeritageQuest Online, users can search PERSI for surnames, places, and how-to advice, and discover publishing information. PERSI is an integral content set within the ProQuest Genealogy Center resources, and is a strong complement to HeritageQuest's U.S. Federal Census, Genealogy & Local History Books, Freedman's Bank Records, Revolutionary War Era Pension & Bounty-Land Warrants Applications, and the U.S. Congressional Serial Set. More information on ProQuest Genealogy Center Resources can be found at www.proquest.com.

 

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.