In a panel presentation, Americana, Colliers, Britannica, and World Book encyclopedias were compared. One member described her daughter's experiences in working on Britannica II. The organization of Britannica into a Propaedia, Micropaedia, and a Macropaedia was compared with the alphabetical arrangement of the others. The complex new form was…

In this study quantifiable characteristics of encyclopedia articles such as subjects treated, length, illustrations and bibliographies were examined. Random subsamples were analyzed and the findings are presented in twelve tables. (1 reference) (DH)

Considers the concept of print books versus newer electronic formats, including CD-ROM and online versions. Topics discussed include changes in the publishing industry; a focus on content; reference books, including encyclopedias and dictionaries; children's books; multimedia publishers versus traditional book publishers; and production and…

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)