EBSCO Publishing has announced a partnership with Lguide, the leading independent provider of e-learning research, to develop a definitive online resource covering the entire spectrum of e-learning. The Distance Learning Reference Center from EBSCO Publishing will contain carefully selected content from top trade publications and scholarly journals, plus course reviews and research materials from Lguide.

At the core of the new database will be a growing collection of over 1,000 authoritative reviews from Lguide, covering topics such as business, technology and personal development skills. In addition, Lguide is supplying detailed comparative reviews of e-learning courses in a variety of subject areas; evaluative profiles of e-learning course publishers; and original articles and research analyses on related subjects.

According to Tim Collins, General Manager of EBSCO Publishing, "Lguide has established themselves as the leading voice for information about the e-learning industry. We're excited about our partnership with Lguide because of their unique content and strong expertise in e-learning."

In addition to the Lguide reviews, the Distance Learning Reference Center will include access to the full text of selected publications covering distance education and e-learning, which will be updated daily; and carefully selected articles from thousands of other periodicals, government documents and web sites. New sources will be added continuously.

Currently it is difficult for companies and individuals to locate the best e-learning solution to fit their needs. Chris Hedrick, President and CEO of Lguide, says, "Libraries play a vital role in the future growth of e-learning. They must supply students and patrons with reliable information about e-learning opportunities." Hedrick, a former Director of Strategy and Operations for the Gates Library Foundation, continued, "EBSCO has a great reputation in libraries for delivering quality research solutions that support education. The combination of EBSCO's extensive collection of periodical content and our research materials will be unmatched. Users will be able to quickly learn more about e-learning courses, course publishers and distance learning providers, and also decide whether e-learning is right for them."

The Distance Learning Reference Center is scheduled for release on EBSCOhost^® in spring, 2002. Contact your EBSCO Information Services representative for more information or to arrange a free trial.

About Lguide
Lguide is the leading independent provider of e-learning research and consulting services, helping clients develop and implement effective e-learning strategies. Lguide offers unbiased, authoritative analysis of e-learning products and services to enable clients to save time and money while making sound purchasing decisions.

Lguide has developed a sophisticated methodology for reviewing Web-based training, and has evaluated over 2,000 products to date, including courseware, learning management systems and other e-learning tools. In addition to its consulting services, Lguide offers corporate customers access to its expertise through its subscription site's full library of e-learning research and analysis, and by publishing in-depth research reports on Web-based training. Leading associations and publications in the e-learning industry have come to rely on Lguide as a definitive source for research and analysis, including the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD), Online Learning Magazine, and Training and Development Magazine. Recent consulting clients include Cisco Systems, Washington Mutual Bank, the City of Seattle and the State of Washington. Visit Lguide at www.lguide.com.

Released: Jan. 18, 2002