Credo has upgraded its interface.  I got a quick trial so I could check out some of the features (old and new).  Of course the best part of Credo is the ability to cross reference a search.  This allows researchers access to definitions, people, places, and general overviews of their topic from multiple disciplines and sources, a fantastic way to start your research.  Here are some highlights:

• over 3 million entries in 366 titles (and growing), all cross-referenced
• nice simple search screen – googlish, with options for advanced search and the concept map
• interface is available in six languages
• browse the collection by subject and title options
• search results have faceted results for subject, pub date, entry type, media, and person
• great multimedia features – audio files, video clips, flash, and dynamic table creation, images, and maps
• optional display of the “gadget tool” with easy access to definitions, people, locations, crossword answers, conversions, quotations, and holidays and festivals (each category has a search box)
• concept map is still there.  I believe I had previously called this “brainstorming on steroids.”  Nice visual and interactive way to search for concepts that are related.
• store/mark records – easily done with checkbox.  ability to export saved results  – email, save, print, or export for multiple citation management systems
• cite this source – APA, Chicago, Harvard, MLA
• bookmark to social networking sites
• Content sensitive HELP with index to all HELP items
• customize for your institution
• download marketing materials
• lots of usage statistics

and a few snafus:

• faceted results are great, but no way to turn them off, and no breadcrumb trail of facets
• no breadcrumb trail to keep you oriented, but maybe you don’t want to be oriented in a cross referencing tool???
• odd search results with the concept map.  my siberian huskies search kept displaying the map of a related person to huskies, maybe there just wasn’t enough content on huskies….
• I was using Firefox.  After entering my search term and hitting the enter key my search would sometimes stop.  Once I clicked search it was fine.

For more information, visit Credo Reference, and ask David to give you a test drive!

If you are uncertain what titles to purchase, ask for their recommended lists….compiled by several people in the reference reviewing field.