Credo Reference mini review: part 2
Jinfo Blog

By Heidi Longaberger

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Introduction

In part 1 of this mini review on Credo Reference (http://www.vivavip.com/go/e32178), I covered the "what" of the offering: its purpose, content, vision and goals. In the second part, we get to explore the "how", concentrating on the search features and research tools.

As a refresher, Credo Reference is an electronic reference aggregator and desktop gateway for a subscriber library’s own reference collection, as well as 530 titles from 70 of the top reference publishers that are a part of Credo’s collection.

Search options and features

A federated search feature offers basic search which can then be focused via a number of variables including subject, publication date or entry type (article, definition, image, etc.). The basic search page promotes search by image and by concept map; a visualisation tool that should cause other research providers and aggregators to take notice.

The Concept Map displays how search terms and topics in Credo Reference are interconnected. This is great for the visual learner. I could easily spend curious hours hopping from one link to another. The map is interactive and each term can be clicked for its own Concept Map. A search of "Egypt" and "modern history" is highlighted in Figure 1.

Figure 1: Concept Map

Topic pages are customisable and indexed by broad category, such as Art, Religion or Technology. They can also be accessed through an A-Z list. These provide a convenient shortcut and a starting point for research. The top section of the page has information from Credo, such as a description or definition, images, news and related topics. The lower section is configurable by the client and brings in search results from a subscriber library’s databases, as well as results from the library catalogue and eBook collections.

The bottom of the Topic page highlights free, timely web content. For example, if you surf Google for "Egypt" and "Credo Reference", you will discover a Topic page containing a plethora of organised and filtered information for free, and a connection point to your local library’s resources. This is what Credo refers to as "the librarian’s answer to Wikipedia." However, although Credo has worked hard to make organised content available on the web, the onus is still on the subscriber library to adequately market the service and get the word out.

Figure 2: Topic page

Advanced Search provides an array of alternatives to focus or enhance the search. This feature also allows for sort by relevance, date or length, or only within headings.

Figure 3: Advanced Search

Saving the results

Search results can be saved and emailed or printed in full format, or you can choose from a variety of citation styles. Also, you can export to citation and bibliography tools such as EasyBib, EndNote or ProCite.

Gadgets

The gadgets tab offers a quick shortcut to find definitions, people, pronunciations, conversions, holidays and the ever popular crossword solver where you can use a question mark in place of unknown letters.

VIP’s View

There are many current and potential library patrons who may not even realise that reference resources are available via the desktop. Credo is trying to address this gap. Libraries can use the platform as a marketing and discovery tool, illuminating the rich resources they have available while employing design and search techniques that are familiar to today’s information seekers. The reputable publishers and content that Credo has collected are an additional bonus. However, although Credo provides the useful tools and has worked to make it discoverable on the web, it is still up to the library to get their marketing hats on and alert their community to this useful resource.

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