"We envision broad uses of the new Massachusetts newspaper collection," said Rod Gauvin, senior vice president for ProQuest CSA.  "Scholars can use it as a source of primary research across multiple disciplines.  In the public library setting, it's expected to be a sought-after resource for genealogical and local historical research.   In schools, it provides an intuitive, convenient way to address the increased emphasis on the use of primary resource documents in the teaching of American history."

ProQuest CSA will be providing a suite of full text newspapers, called Massachusetts Newsstand, that includes the Boston Globe (1980+), Boston Herald (1991+), Worcester Telegram & Gazette (1989+), The Berkshire Eagle ((2005+), The Patriot Ledger (Quincy) (1991+) and seven other local papers from across the Commonwealth.  The newspapers are cross-searchable on the award winning ProQuest® platform.

The contract between ProQuest CSA and the MBLC will run for two years and can be renewed for up to five years,, and was the result of a rigorous procurement process. Multiple opportunities for input and evaluation with library staff from the regions, automated resource sharing networks, and Massachusetts librarians representing all types of libraries had the opportunity to conduct online trials and evaluate the products.

Providing more local, regional, and national content is part of the ProQuest CSA strategy to create a total newspaper solution for libraries, serving all their news needs through a single source. ProQuest CSA is the exclusive provider of the highly regarded ProQuest Historical Newspapers that contains14 million digital pages of archives of major U.S. dailies, including The Boston Globe (1872-1923) and The New York Times (1851-2003).  Its extensive current collection includes more than 450 full-text newspapers from around the world.  ProQuest CSA's newspaper solutions also include such unique delivery systems as NewspaperDirect, which allows libraries to get direct access to more than 400 international and domestic dailies in full-page format. 

To learn more about ProQuest CSA's news and other products, visit on the Web at www.il.proquest.com or call 1-800-521-0600.

About ProQuest CSA
ProQuest CSA combines the strengths of two leading and historic information technology firms: ProQuest Information and Learning and CSA.   The company provides seamless access to and navigation of more than 125 billion digital pages of the world's scholarship, delivering it to the desktop and into the workflow of serious researchers in multiple fields, from arts, literature, and social science to science, technology, and medicine.  ProQuest CSA is part of Cambridge Information Group (www.cambridgeinformationgroup.com).

ProQuest CSA's vast content pools are available to researchers through libraries of all types and include the world's largest digital newspaper archive, periodical databases comprising the output of more than 9,000 titles and spanning more than 500 years, the preeminent dissertation collection, and various other scholarly collections. Users access the information through the ProQuest®  and CSA Illumina Web-based online information systems, Chadwyck-Healey™ electronic and microform resources, UMI® microform and print reference products, eLibrary® and SIRS® educational resources, Ulrich's Serials Analysis System™, COS Scholar Universe, and Serials Solutions resource management tools. Through the expertise of business units Serials Solutions and COS, ProQuest CSA provides technological tools that allow researchers and libraries to better manage and use their information resources.   For more information, visit  www.proquest.com and www.csa.com.

About The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC)
The Board of Library Commissioners is the agency of state government with the statutory authority and responsibility to organize, develop, coordinate and improve library services throughout the Commonwealth.  The Board advises municipalities and library trustees on the operation and maintenance of public libraries, including construction and renovation.  It administers state and federal grant programs for libraries and promotes cooperation among all types of libraries through regional library systems and automated resource sharing networks.  It also works to ensure that all residents of the Commonwealth, regardless of their geographic location, social or economic status, age, level of physical or intellectual ability or cultural background, have access to essential new electronic information technologies and significant electronic databases.