What is an Encyclopedia?

Reference.com » Feature Articles » What is an Encyclopedia?

At the most basic level, encyclopedias can be characterized as books about things, while dictionaries are books about words. Encyclopedias synthesize knowledge, giving readers a view of what is known about a myriad of specific topics, and present an orderly assembly of the facts essential to an understanding of each topic. Modern encyclopedias are designed to serve as a point of reference from which a reader can proceed to other sources that contain more detailed information. The term encyclopedia derives from classical Greek meaning "rounded education" (enkyklios paideia, "circle of learning").

The value of any encyclopedia depends on the needs of the individual user. No matter how good it may be, no single encyclopedia can satisfy the needs of all users. Some works are designed for ready reference, others offer sophisticated discussion of complex subjects, and others excel in the straightforward presentation of information for the browser.

There are a number of criteria by which to assess any given encyclopedia, such as: introduction (the intended purpose of the encyclopedia), scope (the work's range and contents), authority (the source of information, the collaborators), currency (ability to keep up with recent developments), accuracy (the attempt to be error-free), clarity (organization and readability), objectivity (filtering out bias), accessibility (ease of finding what you want), special features, and format. Any user can perform a personal evaluation of an encyclopedia, or consult a professional evaluation like that in Encyclopedias, Atlases and Dictionaries (by Marion Sader, publisher Libraries Unlimited) or "Purchasing an Encyclopedia: Twelve Points to Consider" a publication by the American Library Association.