LibGuides: Reference Resources: Why use encyclopedias? (2024)

FAQs

LibGuides: Reference Resources: Why use encyclopedias? ›

Published encyclopedias, either in print or online, are written by experts and reviewed by experts to insure that the information is accurate, complete, and useful. Wikipedia is not published in the traditional sense because it does not go through a formal editorial process.

Reference sources generally summarize topics or assists in finding secondary literature. These sources provide background information or help you to find other sources. They are also great for quick facts, statistics, or contact information, and can be useful for learning specific vocabulary.

Encyclopedias are an example of a reference source and can be great to use for background information about a subject. Encyclopedias provide overviews of various topics to help their readers learn more about a subject.

Encyclopedias are highly recommended as a starting point for your research on a particular topic. Encyclopedias will give you introductory information to help you broaden or narrow your topic, while also providing keywords and terms needed to conduct further research.

It is a store house providing knowledge of all information of importance. An encyclopaedia is a compendium of knowledge. The importance of an encyclopaedia can be realised from the fact it is regarded as a backbone of reference services. various branches of knowledge, arranged alphabetically by subject and names.

Published encyclopedias, either in print or online, are written by experts and reviewed by experts to insure that the information is accurate, complete, and useful. Wikipedia is not published in the traditional sense because it does not go through a formal editorial process.

Encyclopedias and other reference tools can efficiently provide you with useful background information and context to help guide your studies. Think of them as wikipedia-substitutes - the best encyclopedias have contributations from scholarly experts the the field.

In addition, the main disadvantages of electronic encyclopedias include dependence on information technology, high initial cost, quality control, and citation.

Trust Britannica Library as a reliable source with objective, fact-check, and unbiased content that is written by experts and vetted through rigorous editorial process. Take a look at our editorial process which serves as the backbone of our products, experiences, and content.

There are different types of encyclopedias. Mainly they are divided into four types, namely Dictionaries, Comprehensive Encyclopaedia or Vishwakosh, Encyclopaedic literature or Koshsadrush and Indexes.

What would you use an encyclopedia for? ›

If you need background information on a topic, or need to find out who the major theorists are in a field, you can find that information in encyclopedias. Note: While encyclopedias are reviewed and edited before being published, they are not peer reviewed and should rarely be cited in scholarly writing.

A general encyclopedia gathers information from all branches of knowledge and arranges it alphabetically for ready reference. The purpose of an encyclopedia article is to give an overview of a subject; an article's bibliography will provide the user with further sources of information.

The Encyclopédie was a showcase for representatives of the new schools of thought in all branches of intellectual activity. The work was notable for its attitude of tolerance and liberalism and also for its innovative coverage of the trades and mechanical arts.

Encyclopedias are invaluable sources when seeking authoritative summaries of a topic. When beginning research, encyclopedias well help you establish: an understanding of the topic; key people and events; terminology; cross-reference other information, and more!

Indeed, the purpose of an encyclopedia is to collect knowledge disseminated around the globe; to set forth its general system to the men with whom we live, and transmit it to those who will come after us, so that the work of preceding centuries will not become useless to the centuries to come; and so that our offspring ...

Diderot's humble goal in creating the Encyclopédie to encompass “all the knowledge scattered on the surface of the earth” and to provide a practical reference for tradesmen, whose professions were detailed in both the text and illustrative plates of the encyclopedia (see typesetting plate below).

Reference sources (otherwise known as reference resources, or background sources) are designed to help you find specific types of information quickly. Use reference sources to: get keywords and names for more effective advanced searching. read a quick overview of a new subject.

It helps in managing all the background information and prepare flow charts about the topics. It helps the educators in preparing exam papers by providing a variety of questions for a single topic. It helps the students to prepare effectively for the exam by practising a variety of questions.

Referencing correctly: helps you to avoid plagiarism by making it clear which ideas are your own and which are someone else's. shows your understanding of the topic. gives supporting evidence for your ideas, arguments and opinions.

Citing tells your reader where you found your information. Citing allows your reader to learn more, beginning with your sources. Citing gives credit to the people whose words or ideas you are using. Citing protects you from plagiarizing.