Reflecting on Lesson 6 - Which Encyclopaedia to Use

As the lesson states, encyclopaedias can be traced as far back as Aristotle.  They are a summary of existing knowledge in record form.  Traditionally encyclopaedias have been print based.  However, over the past twenty years encyclopaedias have evolved.  At one point encyclopaedias became electronic (like Encarta ’96).  Then they became available online.  Now there are free-citizen built encyclopaedias such as Wikipedia.  I believe that all forms of encyclopaedias are useful as reference materials for students when used properly.

The established print based encyclopaedias are good because they are always dependable.  As Katz states, they will almost always meet the evaluation criteria with regards to scope, emphasis, authority, style, relevance, objectivity, arrangement, index and format.  The information is accurate and comes from a reputable source.  As a result, established print encyclopaedias need to be promoted and used by students during the research process.

While established print based encyclopaedias are dependable sources of information, they are not always the most appropriate source.  I believe that citizen built encyclopaedias such as Wikipedia are also useful reference materials for students.  Berinstein states that Wikipedia can be a good starting point for students when conducting research (Berinstein, 12).  While the information may not be accurate when unchecked, it can provide students with a feel for a subject/topic.  Harris states that we need to embrace the opportunity to use Wikipedia.  I agree for a variety of reasons.  As stated by Berinstein, it provides a starting point of enquiry.  Furthermore, it is accessible virtually anywhere and anytime as long as you have internet access.  Because individuals are always able to post and edit content, the information is forever changing making it one of the most current sources available to students.  While the currency is most definitely a positive, the ability for individuals to post and edit content is a major drawback.  However, much like Berinstein I believe that these flaws provide a chance to teach proper research and critical thinking skills to students (Bernistein, 13).  Teachers and TL’s can teach students how to evaluate their sources and cross-reference information before using it to address their questions.  By teaching these skills, students will be able to determine which sources they should use to meet their needs.

I believe students should be encouraged to use both established print and free citizen built encyclopaedias.  As long as teachers and TL’s teach the necessary information and critical thinking skills to help students evaluate sources of information, there is nothing wrong with either type of encyclopaedia.

That being said, I still ensure that students refer to established print encyclopaedias first when beginning a research assignment!  (Creature of habit, or is this telling of my real trust of Wikipedia?)