Credo Reference
Credo Reference: Credo Reference combines multi-publisher content with guided discovery and library search. Ranked #14 of 32 in Online Encyclopedias by our editors (7.8/10); pricing: Pricing on request; best for libraries needing federated reference search.
At a glance
- Editor score7.8 / 10
- PricingPricing on request
- Best forLibraries needing federated reference search
- Free planNo
- Citation toolsYes
- Founded1999
- Facts checked24 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Combines full-text reference content from multiple publishers
- Connects searches across library resources with federated search
- Adds mind maps, citations, LTI 1.3, and research videos
Where it doesn't
- Access is provided through institutional libraries
- The platform is web-based rather than a mobile app
- Pricing uses a contact-sales model
Our verdict on Credo Reference
Credo Reference is an online reference database and research platform for students, educators, researchers, and library patrons. Operated by Infobase, it brings together full-text reference content from multiple publishers across subjects. Its focus is early-stage and background research: users can explore topics, find related concepts, consult summaries, and move into deeper library resources. Libraries are the primary buyers, while students and educators are the main audiences for its research and classroom tools.
The platform’s strongest distinction is the way it combines reference content with discovery tools. An Interactive Mind Map shows related concepts, while search filters and searchable title lists help narrow results. Federated search extends discovery across library databases, making Credo Reference more suitable for institutions that want a reference layer connected to existing collections rather than a standalone encyclopedia. A built-in citation tool supports citation managers, and Research Quick Tips videos add instructional material for learners building research skills.
Classroom and library ecosystem fit also matter. LTI 1.3 integration supports connection with learning environments, while institutional access positions the service for library-wide use. The published offering is web-based, so it suits browser-centered research workflows but is less appropriate for organizations seeking a dedicated mobile app. Pricing follows a contact-sales model, which fits institutional procurement rather than individual subscriptions. Libraries that need multi-publisher reference content, federated searching, citation support, and guided topic exploration should consider Credo Reference. Organizations seeking a mobile-first reference product or direct individual purchasing should look elsewhere.
Your product? Our editors can test Credo Reference in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Credo Reference pricing
Credo Reference fact sheet
| Free plan | No |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Citation tools | Yes |
| Educator resources | Yes |
| Institutional access | Yes |
| Content formats | Multimedia |
| Update frequency | Not stated |
| Mobile apps | No |
| Deployment | Cloud |
| Platforms | Web |
| Support | Email, Phone, Tickets, Docs |
| Built for | Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 5 integrations: EBSCO, Gale, ProQuest, Infobase, compatible library catalogs |
| Pricing | Pricing on request |
| Website | search.credoreference.com |
| Facts checked | 24 Sep 2026 |
Credo Reference integrations
Credo Reference lists 5 integrations on its own site.
- EBSCO
- Gale
- ProQuest
- Infobase
- compatible library catalogs
Alternatives to Credo Reference
- WikipediaA broad, free reference resource with multilingual search and transparent article histories.9.4
- Encyclopaedia BritannicaA fact-checked, multimedia reference service with strong classroom and accessibility tools.9.2
- Store norske leksikonA strong free reference for Norwegian-language research, learning and everyday questions.9.0
See all Credo Reference alternatives →
Used Credo Reference? Be the first to review it
The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used Credo Reference for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
Write a reviewTwo minutes · verified accounts only · read by an editor before it appears
Featured on iTechGuides
Credo Reference is listed in our Online Encyclopedias directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/credo-reference/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/credo-reference.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update