Besides a new url (http://www.searchsystems.net/), SearchSystems has also recently introduced a new design, new navigation functions and links to more content (over 11,000 public record sites). SearchSystems is owned by Pacific Information Resources, Inc. of Thousand Oaks, California.

Navigation: An internal search engine has been added to what was once only a state directory. This search engine offers both "simple" (search with keywords or phrases) and "advanced search" (which includes more boolean operators--"or" and "not.") capabilities. Instead of having to drill down to locate a specific state, city or county public records site, you can use the search engine for quick access to sites.

Design: A "Description" and a "Free or Pay" notation have been added to each public records site listed. (It's always helpful when a site cuts to the chase and lets users know at the outset whether a database is free or fee-based.) The Description appears in a "pop-up" browser window and explains what content is available in the specified public record database and whether it's a searchable database or just browseable.

Content: The site's state directory is broken down into categories, e.g. State, County, City and Region and there are now also directories for Nationwide public records, U.S. Territories, Canada Nationwide and Canada by Province, Worldwide (other foreign countries) and...Outer Space.

Finally, SearchSystems offers a free Newsletter to notify users of any additions of new public record resources to their site or just click on the "New Sites" tab when you visit the site.

All very useful additions.

For more information on locating public records online, see:

• ChoicePoint Expands Criminal Records Database
• How Public are Public Records?
• Dallas County Texas Makes Public Records Available via the Internet