Credo Announces Compliance with NISO Open Discovery Initiative

First Content Provider to Announce Compliance

October 20, 2014, Boston, Oxford -- Credo, the industry leader for information skills solutions, today announces its conformance with, and endorsement of, the recommendations of the National Information Standards Organization’s Open Discovery Initiative (ODI), making Credo the first reference content provider to do so. Credo’s compliance demonstrates the company’s advocacy for the unique, valuable role that reference plays in research, as well as its commitment to supporting industry standards and best practices in delivering innovative products and services to libraries and their users.

NISO’s ODI group was formed to explore issues around the current generation of library discovery services based on indexed search; and to develop recommended practices to facilitate progress in the further development of these services. The group comprised representatives from content providers, discovery service providers and libraries. Having long recognized the importance of reference content in discovery services, Credo quickly began the process of understanding and ultimately conforming to these guidelines. For example, Credo makes all relevant content available to discovery service providers as full text for indexing, according to ODI’s core set of metadata elements.

“The pace of change in research technology and information discovery is faster than it has ever been, and the need for the industry to provide continuity and best practices has never been greater,” said Credo CEO Mike Sweet. “Credo is proud to endorse NISO’s recommendations by being the first ODI-compliant content provider and by actively participating in Phase Two of the initiative.”

 "We are so pleased by the support from Credo on the Open Discovery Initiative and for their efforts to act quickly to come into compliance with the recommendations,” said Todd Carpenter, Executive Director of NISO.  “We hope others will follow Credo’s leadership in adhering to the ODI principles.”

Credo is committed to making reference content available and accessible to end users at their point of need, and to non-bias with regard to participation in discovery services, ensuring that content is treated equally in all discovery services. A statement of Credo’s participation in Discovery Services according to the ODI conformance checklist is available upon request.

The ODI recommendations can be found here:

http://www.niso.org/apps/group_public/download.php/13388/rp-19-2014_ODI.pdf

Credo Reveals Refreshed Platform for Online Reference Service

Credo, the industry leader for information skills solutions, unveiled a new look to their award-winning Credo Online Reference Service, updating several features with a focus on user experience. The enhancements are based on input from subscribers matched with cutting edge technology to create a cleaner, more modernized layout and increased searchability.

This intuitive interface makes it easier for learners to focus on discovering information while an improved mobile experience for smartphones and tablets demonstrates Credo’s commitment to providing high-quality content anytime, anywhere. A new “Listen” feature increases accessibility by reading content aloud. A translation tool will also be available, allowing Topic Pages and entries to be viewed in dozens of different languages.

The updated layout for Credo’s signature Topic Pages facilitates quick and easy discovery of the resources best suited to users’ needs. Popular as a starting point in the research process, Topic Pages connect users to real-time results from library-selected resources, offering a helpful solution for those who find themselves stuck in one database without clear pathways to other resources relevant to their search. These 10,000-plus Topic Pages are now easier to navigate whether at the library or on the go, increasing access to the high-quality information people need in their academic, professional or personal lives. 

“This update is part of a continuum of advances we’ve made that has allowed Credo Online Reference Service to maintain its position as a preferred reference platform for both libraries and publishers,” said Credo CEO Mike Sweet. “Great content is only one part of the equation; we work extensively with users and subscribers to understand how they conduct research, and then innovate to provide intuitive products.”

In addition to platform and technology enhancements, Credo also adds to and updates the content available in the Academic, Public and School Core Collections, ensuring users are able to find the most relevant, up to date information to satisfy their research needs. Learn more about Credo Online Reference Service here: http://corp.credoreference.com/product-services/credo-online-reference-service.html

Credo Wins SIIA Education Technology CODiE Award for Best Education Reference Solution

Literati School Earns Prestigious Industry Recognition

Credo, the industry leader for information skills solutions, today announced that Literati School won the 2014 SIIA CODiE Award for Best Education Reference Solution.

The Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA), the principal trade association for the software and digital content industries, announced Credo as one of 31 CODiE Award winners in the education technology category. An SIIA CODiE Award win for ed tech companies is an especially prestigious honor, as each award winner has been selected by a combination of educators, who act as initial judges by selecting finalists from among all nominees, and SIIA members-company peers, who vote to select the winners from among the finalists.

Literati School builds on Credo's foundation of online reference content and discovery tools to support K-12 schools in the areas of information literacy education and assessment, library and classroom connection, and multimedia creation. By providing a rewarding research experience and supplementing instruction, Literati School helps students to develop critical information skills.

“It was thrilling to be on hand to receive such a prestigious award in person,” said Credo CEO Mike Sweet. “At Credo we recognize that today’s young learners are entering a world where information skills are imperative to academic, personal and professional success, and it is an honor that Literati School is seen as a difference-making tool for their future.”

“SIIA’s 2014 Education CODiE Award winners’ are some of the most innovative, high-impact education products out there,” said SIIA Vice President for the Education Division Karen Billings. “We congratulate all of this year’s CODiE Award winners, and thank them for the contributions they have made to the education industry.”

This is Credo’s second CODiE award in two years; Literati Public was a winner in 2013 in the Best General Reference Service category.

For more information about the CODiE Awards, visit http://www.siia.net/codies/2014/

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About SIIASIIA is the leading association representing the software and digital content industries. SIIA represents approximately 700 member companies worldwide that develop software and digital information content.  Information technology (IT) and software security are critical issues to SIIA’s members, many of whom strive to develop safe, secure and state-of the-art products that effectively serve their commercial and government customers alike, while protecting their intellectual property.  The SIIA Education Division serves and represents more than 200 member companies that provide software, digital content and other technologies that address educational needs. The Division shapes and supports the industry by providing leadership, advocacy, business development opportunities and critical market information. For more information, visit www.siia.net/education.

About the SIIA CODiE™ AwardsThe SIIA CODiE™ Awards, originally called the Excellence in Software Awards, were established in 1986 by the Software Publishers Association (SPA), now the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA), so that pioneers of the then-nascent software industry could evaluate and honor each other’s work. Since then, the CODiE Awards program has carried out the same purpose – to showcase the software and information industry’s finest products and services and to honor excellence in corporate achievement.

Credo Adds Award-Winning Content To Growing List of Publisher and Subject Collections

New Partnerships and Updated Titles Mean Greater Choices for Libraries Seeking Quality E-resources

May 14, 2104, Boston, Oxford, – Credo, the industry leader for information skills solutions, announced today several additions and updates to its Publisher and Subject Collections. Hundreds of ebooks from award-winning publishers covering today's most sought-after topics are now available, creating more opportunities for libraries to provide their users with the best in online reference content.

Recent partnerships with renowned publishers like Berrett-Koehler, Harvard Health and English Heritage Publishing, along with new titles made
available from Columbia University Press and New York University Press, have enriched and built upon the growing selections available on Credo platforms. New and updated Subject Collections cover a range of disciplines including Sociology, Literature, Leadership, Theology, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Sports Studies and more.

"The strong relationships we've forged with the world's best reference publishers are what enable us to provide such authoritative, diverse and affordable content to libraries," said Credo CEO Mike Sweet. "Our Publisher and Subject Collections, combined with our award-winning technology and services, give libraries an effective way to connect users with the answer to their immediate research questions while fostering the development of critical Information Literacy skills."

Libraries looking to enhance their e-resource collections will find that Credo offers flexible access options. Most collections are available under both subscription and perpetual access models, allowing institutions to subscribe, purchase the entire collection, or pick and choose individual titles. Collections are available on all Credo platforms and can be seamlessly integrated with any existing Credo subscriptions.

Amanda DiFeterici Joins Credo as Instructional Design and Assessment Consultant

Credo, the industry leader for information skills solutions, today announced that Amanda DiFeterici has joined the company as its Instructional Design and Assessment Consultant. She brings seven years of experience as an academic librarian to a company that prides itself on its team of talented Information Literacy (IL) professionals and on-staff librarians and educators.

“Our team of librarians and educators allows us to offer the best services possible to libraries and schools,” said Credo CEO Mike Sweet. “That is why adding a librarian as talented and experienced as Amanda means so much to us. She brings a lot to the table with regard to our ability to meet the specific needs of librarians at every level.”

In addition to collaborating with librarians to develop learning objectives and design engaging multimedia educational materials, DiFeterici will use her assessment expertise to help libraries demonstrate the value of IL instruction to administrators while at the same time meeting today’s rigorous accreditation standards.

“I’m excited to come on board,” remarked DiFeterici. “I had the phenomenal experience of working with Credo as a customer, and I came to appreciate Credo’s commitment to providing the best in Information Literacy tools for library users.”

Prior to joining Credo, DiFeterici worked for several years with South University as an academic librarian. She received her MLIS from the University of South Carolina where, as a graduate assistant, she worked both in reference and teaching library instruction.

ALA Past-President Molly Raphael Joins Credo Advisory Board

Brings extensive experience that supports Credo's mission

Credo, the industry leader for information skills solutions, recently announced that Molly Raphael, past-president of the American Library Association, has joined the company's corporate advisory board.

Credo's advisory board is comprised of significant Library and education industry experts who are tapped by Credo throughout the year for consulting on a variety of issues central to fulfilling the company's goal to be the world's leading provider of information skills-building solutions.

"Credo sees itself as not only working for libraries, but working with libraries to innovate the industry," said Mike Sweet, Credo CEO. "This is evident in our work with publishers to provide authoritative reference content on our user-friendly Literati platforms as well as in our work with technology companies to provide cutting-edge services. Most importantly, it's evident at the very conception of our products as we work with experts and librarians like Ms. Raphael to develop solutions that meet the needs of learners of all types."

Molly Raphael is a much-decorated public librarian. Her work has focused on collections, programming and increasing diversity in library employment, for which she awarded the Arthur Flemming Civil Rights award in 2009. In 2006 she was recognized by Simmons College, which awarded her their 2006 Alumni Achievement Award.

More information on Molly Raphael, as well as Credo's other advisors, can be found at http://corp.credoreference.com/about-credo/advisory-board.html

Credo Launches Information Literacy Course Module

Fills a Rapidly Growing, Unmet Need in Higher Education

January 21, 2014, Boston, Oxford - Credo, the industry leader for information skills solutions, announces the launch of its Information Literacy Course Module, expanding the company’s Literati suite of solutions. The course module is Credo’s answer to the growing need for libraries and academic institutions to conduct standards-driven information literacy instruction.

“We are very excited about the [Information Literacy Course Module]. The modules are very comprehensive and cover most, if not all, of the topics important to us for in-person and online instruction,” said Christal Ferrance, Instructional Design Librarian at George Mason University in Virginia.

“All of us at Credo are driven by our passion for supporting libraries in their efforts to teach the information skills that are essential for academic, personal and professional success,” said Mike Sweet, Credo CEO. “With the Information Literacy Course Module, library staff can focus on high-value activities of instruction, working with students and collaborating with faculty.”

The Course Module offers dozens of instruction and assessment components, all of which are are aligned to ACRL standards, and includes learning objectives and activities in course  and discussion notes. Instructional videos, tutorials or modules designed to build IL skills are included in each section of the course, along with interactive activities and assessments to reinforce learning and provide feedback to the student and instructor.  Institutions can use the Information Literacy Course Module to supplement existing instruction or as a full for-credit course. 

For more information: 
http://corp.credoreference.com/solutions/information-literacy-course-module.html

Credo Named to EContent Top 100 Companies in the Digital Content Industry

Boston, Oxford – Credo, the industry leader for information skills solutions, was named by EContent to its Top 100 Companies that Matter Most in the Digital Content Industry in the Content Commerce and Digital Content Provider categories.

 “We believe that an online reference platform is a powerful way to teach information skills that are essential for lifelong learning and success in the knowledge economy” said Mike Sweet, Credo CEO.  “This recognition from EContent is an honor and a wonderful affirmation of our company. We share this recognition with our many publishing partners who are fundamental to the success of our Literati and Online Reference Service platforms. “

The EContent 100 List is selected each year by a team of judges, made up of editors from Information Today, Inc., EContent magazine contributing editors and industry experts. The List can be seen at http://www.econtentmag.com and in the December 2013 issue of EContent.