Two systems of knowledge production are identified and addressed by this study: peer review and public review. The peer-review system is defined, its goals are stated, its participants and their roles are identified, and its affordances are summarized. The double-blind journal submission system is examined as an example of peer review. Three…

Examines the development of multimedia encyclopedias. Discusses print versus electronic materials; technological advances; interactivity; costs; content and costs of particular multimedia encyclopedias; and a future perspective. A sidebar compares cultural icons in encyclopedias. (AEF)

Examines the cost effectiveness of using CD-ROM encyclopedias in school libraries; finds print encyclopedias to be cheaper, but advocates the use of both. Sidebars include price comparisons of popular print and CD-ROM encyclopedias. (AEF)