ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN, October 1, 2004 -- San Diego City Schools (SDCS), the second largest school district in California, will implement eLibrary learning tools for students and teachers. The eLibrary online resource from ProQuest Information and Learning delivers one of the largest collections of periodical and digital media content designed specifically for elementary and secondary schools and libraries. ProQuest Information and Learning creates and distributes databases to libraries and educational institutions worldwide.

"The instructional resources of ProQuest were selected in a districtwide effort to improve student achievement and teach critical thinking skills to our diverse student population. These quality instructional resources will be well-utilized by our library media teachers to teach students critical research and analytical skills; and show teachers how to integrate these important resources into their classroom instruction," said Dr. Darlene Bates, program manager for instructional media, San Diego City Schools.

eLibrary delivers online general reference content for use in teacher planning and preparation, classroom instruction, and student assignments and research. It features an easy-to-use interface that makes research simple. Students find the answers they need from more than 2,000 full-text magazines, newspapers, reference books and transcripts -- plus thousands of pictures, maps, web links, and audio/video files. San Diego City Schools will use eLibrary in 186 schools for 138,000 students. For more information about eLibrary, please visit www.proquestk12.com.

eLibrary's powerful searching capabilities place relevant content into users' hands. Students can easily locate information that is relevant to their coursework, appropriate to their skill levels, and supportive of their learning needs. Educators can use special administrative features to align content directly to California learning standards, and to build customized curriculum modules for in-class or at-home student assignments.

"eLibrary's materials really match what the students need to learn. They fit the profile of what teachers need to be successful. This product gives teachers the opportunity to become much more proficient in what they teach. In the classroom, it provides multi-media resources that have been juried by educators to be appropriate and safe," said Al DeSeta., President K-12, ProQuest Information and Learning.

About San Diego City Schools
Serving more than 138,000 students, San Diego City Schools (www.sandi.net) is the second largest school district in California, with 200 educational facilities and more than 14,500 full-time equivalent positions (representing more than 18,800 employees). SDCS is improving student achievement by focusing on challenging education in reading, writing and mathematics. The district is committed to supporting schools and enhancing the classroom learning environment through modernized facilities and resources and through parent, teacher and community involvement in the educational process.

About ProQuest Information and Learning
ProQuest Information and Learning is a world leader in collecting, organizing, and publishing information worldwide for researchers, faculty, and students in libraries and schools. Known widely for its strength in business and economics, general reference, humanities, social sciences, and STM content, the company develops premium databases comprising periodicals, newspapers, dissertations, out-of-print books, and other scholarly information from more than 8,500 publishers worldwide. Users access the information through the ProQuest® Web-based online information system, Chadwyck-Healey™ electronic and microform resources, UMI® microform and print reference products, eLibrary® and SIRS® educational resources, and XanEdu® online faculty and student resources. For more information about ProQuest Information and Learning, visit www.il.proquest.com.

ProQuest Information and Learning is a business unit of ProQuest Company (www.proquestcompany.com), which was recently named one of the 100 fastest growing technology companies in the United States by Business 2.0.

News Media Contact:
Constance Crump
Manager, Public Relations
1-800-521-0600, ext. 6489
734-761-4700, ext. 6489
pr@il.proquest.com