Using Print and CD-ROM Encyclopedias

A good place to start to gather information on an unfamiliar topic is an encyclopedia. There are two encyclopedia formats available to you: print encyclopedias and CD-ROM encyclopedias.

Tips for Using Print Encyclopedias

• Keep proper spelling of your topic in mind when looking for information. If you can't spell it, you won't find it easily.
• Generate a list of keywords that are related to your topic. Include some general as well as more specific terms. These will be helpful if you are having difficulty finding your topic in the index.
• Use the index volume to find all of the information related to your topic. Use all of your keywords. If you can't locate your topic in the index, it's probably not in that encyclopedia.

Tips for Using CD-ROM Encyclopedias

• Again, spelling your topic correctly is the most important tip. In most programs, if you do not spell your words correctly, you will not find your topic.
• Keywords are also important. Be sure to have a list of related terms (both general and specific) to use when keyword searching.
• Once the program has started, look for direction words such as "search" or "find" with an empty rectangular box nearby. This is generally the place for you to type in your topic and/or keywords.
• Scan the list of results and click on the topic(s) that seem most relevant. Go back to the results list to view other articles as needed.

Advantages of Different Encyclopedia Formats

Print		CD-ROM
Because of the multivolume format, several researchers can use a single set at the same time.		Programs on computer do not depend as heavily on a user's alphabetizing skills.
Book format allows the reader to view the entire article without scrolling.		Articles and pictures retrieved can be printed out.
Books can be used without electricity and can be moved anywhere, including being checked out for use at home.		Articles often include multimedia information such as sound, video, and/or animation.
Books can sometimes be used more quickly because they are not dependent on being turned on and loaded on a machine.		Boolean searching allows a user to search for more than one keyword at the same time.
Print encyclopedias usually contain more information.		Most libraries can update these encyclopedias more often because of the lower price.

Make sure that you cite the source when you take notes from any encyclopedia. If you are using MLA format, your citations should look like this:

Print Encyclopedia

	Boritt, Gabor S. "Civil War." The World Book Encyclopedia..
		1998.

CD-ROM Encyclopedia

	Vandiver, Frank E. "Civil War, U. S." 1996 Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia.
		Vers. 8.03. Danbury, CT: Grolier, 1995.