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WASHINGTON (May 9, 2005) – Origins, the widely respected documentary service of Catholic News Service, unveils a new look with the first edition in its 35th volume.
The design change comes as Origins enjoys a rapid rise in subscriptions to Origins-Plus, a CNS service allowing subscribers to conduct full-text searching in Origins' online archives.
The new design incorporates a more open, contemporary style with the May 19 issue. The changed format is part of an overall redesign of the publications and services of Catholic News Service, the premiere international Catholic wire service.
Origins' new look includes more white space, increased leading and new typefaces to create an open feeling without losing any of the content that makes the weekly a must for serious students of the church, researchers, church personnel and other subscribers.
David Gibson, Origins' founding editor, said the new look will appeal to younger readers without losing the support of faithful subscribers, some of whom have been on board since Origins was launched in 1971. The fresh design will show visibly that the documentary service is a product of the award-winning CNS, which is recognized worldwide for its extensive reach and incisive reporting.
Origins and its on-line service constitute Origins-Plus. The online archive, currently containing more than 2,600 texts on the church today, dates back to Origins' 1993 editions and adds current texts weekly. Work is under way at CNS to add its earlier volumes to the archive. Current subscribers to Origins-Plus include both individuals and institutions.
A recent informal survey found that Origins-Plus subscribers included a pastor preparing a retreat for deacons, a lay volunteer preparing to teach a class on baptism in his parish and high school and college students pursuing academic research and writing term papers. Numerous Catholic high schools, parish staffs, college libraries and others also subscribe to what is known as Origins-Plus for Institutions.
Subscription information for Origins-Plus can be found at www.originsonline.com.
Catholic News Service, headquartered in Washington, was founded in 1920. It includes a key bureau in Rome and associated writers from all across the world. Other publications include the biweekly newsletter Catholic Trends and the educational supplement Faith Today! that appears in numerous Catholic newspapers. A copy of Origins' design is attached.