April 05, 2004

By: Mary Rodgers
Website: http://www.1st-in-ebooks.com

ProQuest and SafariSM join forces to launch online information retrieval service to libraries

ProQuest Company's Information and Learning unit and SafariSM Books OnlineSM, LLC announced an agreement today that will grant ProQuest exclusive distribution rights of Safari Tech Books Online to academic, public, and K-12 libraries and non-exclusive rights for government libraries. The Safari Tech Books Online library edition, currently under development by ProQuest and Safari, is scheduled for release later this month. The Web-based service allows library patrons to conduct online searches of more than 20 technical categories from Networking to Java to Microsoft's .Net.

Safari Books Online is a joint venture between two well-known publishers of information technology books: O'Reilly & Associates, Inc. and The Pearson Technology Group. O'Reilly is a premier information source for leading-edge computer technologies. The Pearson Technology Group is the world's largest provider of consumer and professional computer, information technology, engineering, and reference content. Imprints include Addison-Wesley Professional, Cisco Press, Peachpit Press, Prentice Hall PTR, New Riders, Que and Sams.

"IT books are in high demand, and the Safari service suits the needs of researchers and students who are seeking answers to specific questions and to those seeking in-depth information on a topic," said Rod Gauvin, senior vice president and general manager of the ProQuest division of ProQuest Information and Learning. "Users can search across multiple books simultaneously, allowing the collection of books to be searched as a database rather than as discrete books. Results are ranked by relevancy, helping users to zero in on exactly the information they need. This philosophy complements our own approach to information delivery.

"The quality and breadth of the Pearson and O'Reilly imprints are unrivaled in the IT area," continued Gauvin. "We are delighted to have the opportunity to distribute this content in a searchable format to libraries around the world."

Sean Devine, managing director of Safari Books Online, said, "In evaluating potential distribution partners in the academic/public library market, we selected ProQuest as our exclusive agent because of its strong ties with libraries, its reputation for producing and distributing high-quality information products, and its strong global presence."

About The Author:

Mary Rodgers is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-ebooks.com.  A source of information on creating, writing and publishing an e-book.