For-profit library struggling 

Questia Media down to 28 workers by Tom Fowler

Another round of layoffs at online library and academic research firm Questia Media has reduced the company to a skeleton crew of about 28 workers, just enough to maintain its Web site.

About 40 workers were laid off last week without severance pay, sources say, when it became clear plans for another round of investment cash wouldn't materialize. The company previously raised more than $135 million and at one time employed over 300 workers, but has had several rounds of layoffs beginning last spring.

Questia is said to be looking for ways to cut expenses further, including moving into smaller offices than the high-rent space it occupies in Greenway Plaza, and ways to get out of long-term contracts and partnerships. Company officials did not return phone calls or e-mail requests for comment. [read more]