Removing Post..What Additional Beam Support Needed?

[dgeiss]

I am currently finishing my basement and would really like to remove one post in the basement. I currently have a constructed beam of 4 2x10s supported ever 8-9ft by steel posts. I have spoken with a number of different contractors and have gotten just as many different answers on what to do. Everything from plating the current beam with steal plates to placing a beam next to the current beam. I feel most comfortable with placing a new beam next to the current beam. My question is what type and size of beam do I need to use to span 19ft on a single level ranch with the open space above being a great room\family room. I would assume it would fall into the 40lbs psf. Since we get a considerable amount of snow in this area I would like a little overkill. Any info on a glulam beam would be greatly appreciated, since I feel a glulam would be much easier for me to install then a solid beam. My next question would be about adding the new post next to the current posts. How large is the standard footer under a supporting post. Is it large enough to support a post directly next to it? How deep should I have the new footers if needed? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Dave