ANN ARBOR, Mich., April 30, 2009 - ProQuest will hold a web-based, random drawing to sponsor a librarian’s travel to attend the 2009 ALA Annual Conference in Chicago. The drawing, to be held May 11, is in response to shrinking library budgets that have reduced or even eliminated conference travel. This sponsorship is part of the company’s larger program to support libraries during tough economic times.

  “Support for libraries and librarianship is a core ProQuest value. We’re looking hard at everything we do, trying to find ways to help libraries struggling with budget cut-backs,” said Lynda James-Gilboe, senior vice president of marketing and customer care for ProQuest.  “Many customers have told us about travel being curtailed at their institution.  We’re responding in kind by diverting dollars directly to a customer who might not otherwise be able to attend the conference.”

The drawing is open to employees at any library in the United States and Canada.  The winner will receive conference registration, roundtrip airfare, hotel accommodations, and a $500 gift card to cover meals, transportation, and expenses.   The winner will also be a “VIP guest” at ProQuest’s high-profile events such as the ALA Scholarship Bash and the ProQuest Customer Reception at the Art Institute of Chicago, as well as the company’s learning luncheon "Marketing the Library".

To register for the drawing applicants should visit http://www.proquest.com/go/contest and complete the brief online entry form before midnight on May 10, 2009.  A winner will be selected randomly and notified on May 11, 2009. For complete contest rules, and more information, visit http://www.proquest.com/go/contest.