Online Databases- ProQuest Company Acquires Softline

ProQuest Company's Information and Learning unit has acquired SoftLine Information, the producer of online databases for libraries and educational institutions. SoftLine's products offer more than 500 newspapers and magazines from ethnic, minority, gender, alternative, and independent presses. The titles are organized into specialized databases, including Ethnic NewsWatch, Alt-Press Watch, and Gender Watch. Prior to SoftLine's introduction of its databases, most of these titles were not available in electronic format. "SoftLine products are highly valued by libraries and users for their quality, unique content, and ability to bring alternative viewpoints to the learning experience," said ProQuest CEO Joe Reynolds.