Non-print
encyclopedias are user-friendly with more interactive features than print
encyclopedias. Both Britannica Online
and World Book Online offer many
pictures and videos as well as internal links to similar topics and external
links where additional resources can be found. In contrast, print encyclopedias
are not capable of including links to the Internet.
Another
advantage to using non-print encyclopedias is their ability to offer more
information as a result of not having the same space limitations and
constraints as printed books. In print encyclopedias, cross references often
require individuals to use separate volumes. Furthermore, the accessibility of
information in non-print encyclopedias is superior compared to print
encyclopedias. With online capabilities, non-print encyclopedias can be
accessed virtually anywhere and anytime when needed. Most print encyclopedias
are only accessible within a library setting.
In
addition to accessing more information, non-print encyclopedias offer the most
current information. Non-print encyclopedias can continually be modified and
changed as needed whereas print encyclopedias can quickly become obsolete. Being
able to modify articles on an as needed basis helps reduce inaccurate data and
allows access to the most up-to-date information.
Many
non-print encyclopedias offer different resources intended for kids, students,
and other users. This ensures the article content is appropriate for the
individual viewing the information. This can be helpful to someone who is
looking to compare and contrast differences between encyclopedias intended for
children and adults. All the information can be accessed within the same
encyclopedia.
Strengths
of print encyclopedias are their portability and a common recognized layout of
information that makes it easy for individuals to use for research. Since they
are in printed form, they do not rely on hardware or software to make them
accessible. Some individuals prefer to display multiple volumes of print
encyclopedias over trying to navigate multiple browsers. However, many print encyclopedias
at libraries are reference copies only.
Which do
you prefer?
References:
Ross,
Michael. (2007). “Publishing without boundaries: How to think, work, and win in
the global marketplace.” The Association
of Educational Publishers. Retrieved from http://www.britannica.com/blogs/2007/03/publish-electronically-or-perish-book-excerpt/
I have a very nostalgic connection to print encyclopedias, since I was one of those kids who would read them for fun. :)
ReplyDeleteI do think that digital encyclopedias are generally more useful, though.
Erin,
ReplyDeleteYou sound similar to what I used to do as a kid. I would always want to consult print encyclopedias when starting a school assignment even if I knew the information was not going to be found in there. Nowadays, I think that information is easy accessible through the online encyclopedias with the minor drawback of having to have a subscription or accessing the encyclopedia from a library's homepage. I have found that using online encyclopedias allows the user to search both the internet and external links as well as see images, videos, and cite the source all from the same page. I say this is very user friendly for someone looking for information whether brief or in-depth. The information can be used by all ages as well.
-Lindsay Fricke
Thanks for your insightful post comparing print vs. online encyclopedias. As a K-12 student, I was print user and we had lessons with our school librarian to train us in how to use an encyclopedia. Plus, the number one rule was we could check out anything but the encyclopedia. Today, I think that the online versions of encyclopedias would be the more popular and convenient choice. Online versions are constantly being updated with new information and therefore always current in their information. This is what hinders print encyclopedia from being more popular in today's society. When I was born, my mom thought it was a good idea to buy a set of Encyclopaedia Britannica so I can use them when I get older in school. Of course, by the time I was old enough to use them, some subjects and information were outdated (we still have that 30 year old 35 volume set in the den). I've noticed that since many of the more reputable online encyclopedias do charge a fee or access through a library portal, many people use wikipedia as a source of information, although its not always the most reliable source.
ReplyDelete