Preaching Magazine, Sept/Oct 2002, pp. 39-44

2002 Survey of the Year’s Best New Software for Preachers

by Jonathan Kever

Logos Bible Software Series X

System Requirements: Processor: Pentium 133MHz (Pentium 300MHz processor recommended); CD-ROM drive; Operating System: Microsoft Windows 98 or later (Will run on Windows 98/98SE/Me/NT 4.0 (SP6a)/2000/XP); Memory: 64 MB (128 MB recommended); Hard Drive Space: 60 MB; Minimum Screen Resolution: 800x600 or larger.

Price: $149.95-$599.95, depending on library

Review: I simply cannot overstate how impressed I am with Logos, Series X. If you were a fan before, just wait until you update! Logos is revolutionizing the digital library with its subsidiary company, Libronix Corporation. As stated on their web site: "Libronix Corporation delivers technology and services that help publishers build one-to-one relationships with users through an integrated, commerce-enabled digital library system."

Though wholly owned by Logos, The Libronix Digital Library System (DLS) has a vision even beyond Christian publications. Libronix may soon be the industry standard used by doctors, lawyers, or any number of professions to access information efficiently.

Series X consists of five different libraries: Christian Home Library, Bible Study Library, Pastor’s Library, Original Languages Library, and the Scholar’s Library (Listed here in order of price, from least to greatest). However, the Libronix DLS is not limited to the Logos Bible Software packages, but is used by over 80 publishers. Anything you purchase with the Libronix logo on the package includes the DLS. And there are plenty of resources to choose from-over 2,000 religious, academic, and reference titles.

Logos, featuring the Libronix DLS, boasts a very user-friendly interface with innovative search capabilities. Usually while using Bible Study software I keep a mental list of features I wish were available. So far Logos has me stumped! The only mental check list I’m keeping now is the book list of titles I hope are soon available.

If you have a previous version of Logos, don’t fret. Though an entirely new system, Libronix contains many of the same features and will not force you to learn from scratch. Also, Libronix functions like an upgrade, so you won’t lose all the unlocked titles from your previous version. Another blessing of Libronix is the many automated features available from the home page that appears upon opening the program. All you have to do is type in a Bible reference or topic and then choose how you want Libronix to search, and it does all the work for you. Choose from 5 different types of searches: Passage Guide, Exegetical Guide, Word Study Guide, Bible and Commentary, and Bible Only. You literally never have to leave the comfort of your home page!

If you’re good at tinkering and like the flexibility of using specific tools and specifying the perimeters of your searches, have at it! There are more bells and whistles than you can imagine! You can even create your own custom menu buttons to perform common program tasks or to open other useful programs like your word processor. You can create unique collections of titles from your library to narrow your searches, and the list goes on. And just wait until you start playing with the “right click” on your mouse....

If there is one perceived negative, it has to be the price. Many will see that $599 price tag on the Scholar’s Library and keep on looking. But with Logos you get far more than you pay for. For instance, you would have to spend nearly $5,000 to get the print versions of the titles available in the Scholar’s Library. And the amount of time saved is priceless. If you do a little shopping, you’ll find a much better price than listed.

Contact: Logos Research Systems, 1313 Commercial Street, Bellingham, WA 98225-4307. To order, call 800- 875-6467 (outside US: 360-527-1700) or visit www.logos.com.

© 2003 by Preaching. Used by permission.