Go beyond Google with Credo Reference (formerly known as Xrefer) -- it's a great resource to help with general questions on a variety of topics. Credo provides a portal to a variety of reputable reference resources from 55 publishers, including text and images. You can do a search of all content, browse topics, or view the concept map. The maps are great!
Any librarian in the 24/7 Reference Cooperative can use Credo to help their online patrons. When you login to My QuestionPoint, click on Cooperative Resources (lower right), then Credo. Take an opportunity to explore the resources available, and try it out with your online patrons.
Here is an example of how a quick Credo search can help you provide targeted information from authoritative sources:
Patron: I have a question was the American Civil War about the north against the south. The north wanted free slaves and the south didn't
Librarian: Hello Jane [actual patron name omitted]. My name is [Librarian name], and I'm a reference librarian with the [name omitted] chat service. I'm reading your question right now to see how I can help you...
Librarian: Jane, how much information are you hoping to find on this topic?
Patron: no i m just asking if that is right
Librarian: It's right, but I want to give you something to prove it, not just my own knowledge. So hold on please. It'll be quick.
Patron: ok
Librarian: The victory of the North in the American Civil War ensured the country did not split into two states, with the South maintaining the 'peculiar institution' of slavery which the North regarded as inhuman and immoral. citation: civil war. (1999). In The Blackwell Dictionary of Political Science. Retrieved March 05, 2008, from www.credoreference.com/entry/725010
Librarian: Jane, is this ok?
Patron: yes thank you so much
Librarian: You're welcome, Jane. Anything else I can help you with right now?
Patron: thankyou that is it have a good nite
Librarian: You're welcome, Jane. Please visit us again!
Librarian ended chat session.
Note: Set Resolution: Answered
Questions or comments about Credo or the other Cooperative Resources? Post your comments to the blog or email Susan at [email protected]
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