Farewell to inky fingers as Guardian creates e-archive

Researchers ploughing through the Guardian and Observer newspapers no longer need fear the ink leaving a stain on their fingers. A digital archive has made the backfile of both newspapers available via the Guardian website or, in the case of institutional users, through archive and database specialist ProQuest CSA.

Considered the quality newspaper for lefties in the UK, the Guardian is popular for its arts coverage, liberal views and, because of its unique ownership by a trust rather than a media mogul, independence.

“The vivid and fearless reporting by both newspapers has set journalistic standards not only in the UK, but also worldwide,” said ProQuest senior VP Rob Gauvin.

The archive of Guardian and Observer newspapers provides access to the Guardian from its launch in 1821 up to 1975 and the Observer in the first phase of digitisation.

The remaining content will become available in 2008, delivering 1.2 million pages of news up to 2003.

The coverage includes the moon landings, the ousting of Margaret Thatcher from 10 Downing Street, VE Day, the execution of Louis XVI in 1793 (the Observer was first published in 1791), Napoleon’s Waterloo defeat in 1815, President Kennedy’s assassination and the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana.

The Guardian News and Media group digitised its backfile because its microfilm and paper archives were starting to degrade.

Launched on 3 November, the archive is fully searchable, offering replica full pages and the individual articles. ProQuest will act as global distributor for the university, library and corporate account markets. Throughout November the site is free for 24 hours and then a payment of £7.95 for 24 hours or £49.95 for a month will come into force.

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