EBSCO Publishing (EBSCO) today announced its acquisition of the popular database, International Bibliography of Theatre (IBT). IBT represents the most comprehensive multicultural and inter-disciplinary research tool available to theater students, educators and professionals.

Initiated by the American Society for Theatre Research, IBT becomes a valuable component to EBSCO's list of subject-specific secondary databases covering the humanities. Since 1984, the Theatre Research Data Center (TDRC) at Brooklyn College has published 14 volumes of the IBT. These volumes comprise a fully indexed, cross-referenced and annotated databank of over 60,000 journal articles, books, book articles and dissertation abstracts on all aspects of theatre and performance in 126 countries. As experts in the subject area, TRDC will continue indexing various titles for the database as well as coordinating international contributors.

According to Tim Collins, vice president and division general manager for EBSCO, "Providing both the widest and deepest offering of quality subject-specific secondary databases is a priority (for EBSCO). International Bibliography of Theatre is the leading index to theatrical literature, and we are excited to welcome this to our growing list of humanities databases." Collins continued, "In conjunction with the popular MLA International Bibliography, as well as other secondary databases available on EBSCOhost such as American Humanities Index (another recent acquisition), the addition of IBT emphasizes EBSCO's commitment to providing a full suite of not only humanities-specific databases, but also other supplemental and niche databases covering a myriad of subject areas and specific research needs."

Commenting on the value of International Bibliography of Theatre, professionals at leading academic institutions and related organizations had this to say:

"This unique volume is vital to current theatrical research and should prove indispensable to any library in this field." -- Jackson Kesler, American Reference Books Annual

"A comprehensive bibliography of this magnitude has long been overdue. It is an invaluable contribution to the field of theatre research." -- Louis A. Rachow, Librarian, International Theatre Institute of the U.S.

"Essential." -- Bobst Library Reference Guide, New York University

About EBSCO
EBSCO Publishing, EBSCO Subscription Services and EBSCO Book Services form the EBSCO Information Services group. EBSCO is a worldwide leader in providing information access and management solutions through print and electronic journal subscription services, research database development and production, online access to more than 100 databases and thousands of e-journals, and e-commerce book procurement. EBSCO has specialized products and services for academic, medical, government, public and school libraries as well as for corporations and other organizations. EBSCO maintains a comprehensive database of more than 282,000 serial titles and upholds active relationships with more than 60,000 publishers worldwide. EBSCO has been serving the library and business communities for almost 60 years. For more information, visit www.ebsco.com.

Contact: Scott Bernier (800) 653-2726, ext. 278 sbernier@epnet.com

Release Date: Dec. 2, 2003