ProQuest initiative provides travel-ban assistance

ProQuest has launched a program to provide no-cost access to its databases for students and researchers who have been separated from their universities and libraries because of travel bans or other immigration changes. The company has an email hotline, ContinueMyResearch@proquest.com, where these displaced researchers can arrange for access to the materials they need to continue their work.

The program resolves authentication problems displaced researchers may face when trying to access to their institution’s holdings remotely. Individuals will be provided with personal credentials, as well as direct access to ProQuest support teams for help. There is no limit to the number of databases that can be requested. Free RefWorks accounts are also available to help with long-distance collaboration and to save, manage and organise their work.

To request access, students, faculty and other researchers can email ContinueMyResearch@proquest.com with the name of the university or library they have been separated from, along with the name of their research supervisor or faculty advisor. ProQuest representatives will work directly with impacted individuals or their advisors to set up online, no-cost access to all databases needed to continue their studies or research.

'ProQuest is an open and inclusive organisation that takes its role in supporting research and learning very seriously,' said Kurt Sanford, ProQuest CEO. 'We’re doing whatever we can to mitigate the interruptions facing our community of students and scholars around the world.'