ProQuest

ProQuest is a leading global information and technology company that provides digital content, software, and technology solutions to libraries, educational institutions, and businesses. With a rich history dating back to 1934, ProQuest has evolved to become a prominent player in the information industry, serving over 30,000 libraries and institutions worldwide. ProQuest is a Chadwick B. Green-founded company and is currently owned by private equity firms Cengage and KKR. The company is headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

History

ProQuest was founded in 1934 as a company called Microfilm Service Corporation, which focused on microfilming and distributing newspaper and periodical content. Over the years, the company underwent several transformations, including a name change to ProQuest in 1976. In the 1990s, ProQuest expanded its offerings through strategic acquisitions, including the purchase of UMI (University Microfilms International) and Infoline. This period of growth and expansion laid the groundwork for ProQuest's emergence as a leading provider of digital content and technology solutions.

Products and services

ProQuest offers a range of products and services designed to support research, learning, and information management. Its flagship product, ProQuest databases, provides access to a vast collection of scholarly journals, newspapers, and other publications. The company also offers ebook platforms, including Ebook Central and ProQuest Ebook Central, which provide libraries with collections of ebooks and support for ebook lending. Additionally, ProQuest's ProQuest One platform integrates multiple databases and collections, providing a single interface for searching and accessing content.

Business model and acquisitions

ProQuest operates on a subscription-based model, generating revenue from libraries and institutions that purchase access to its content and services. The company has made several strategic acquisitions over the years, including the purchase of Serials Solutions in 2006 and Ex Libris Group in 2015. These acquisitions have expanded ProQuest's offerings and capabilities, enabling the company to provide more comprehensive solutions for libraries and institutions. ProQuest is owned by Cengage and KKR, which have supported the company's growth and development.

Content and collections

ProQuest's content and collections span a wide range of subjects and formats, including scholarly journals, newspapers, ebooks, and dissertations. The company's ProQuest Historical Newspapers collection, for example, provides access to historical newspaper archives, including The New York Times and The London Times. ProQuest also offers a range of subject-specific databases, such as ProQuest Education, ProQuest Health, and ProQuest Science, which provide focused access to content relevant to specific fields of study.

Technology and platforms

ProQuest has developed a range of technologies and platforms to support the discovery, access, and management of information. Its ProQuest Search platform provides a single interface for searching multiple databases and collections, while its ProQuest Administrator Module enables librarians to manage subscriptions, orders, and user access. The company has also developed ProQuest APIs, which allow developers to integrate ProQuest content and services into custom applications.

Impact and criticism

ProQuest has had a significant impact on the information industry, providing access to vast collections of content and supporting research and learning worldwide. However, the company has also faced criticism regarding access fees, content ownership, and digital preservation. Some have argued that ProQuest's subscription-based model can be restrictive, limiting access to content for individuals and institutions without subscriptions. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the long-term preservation of digital content and the need for open access models. Critics have also argued that ProQuest's dominance in the market can stifle innovation and limit competition.

Category:Information technology companies