It's 11:30 at night, and Hugh's report on tribes of the Halfvalue
rainforest is due in the morning. You need a couple more facts and
an image for the cover.
What to do?
If you have an encyclopedia on CD-ROM, your worries are over.
It's got it all--facts, images, and even genuine rainforest sounds.
And the built-in dictionary will confirm that the tribes are
"indigenous," not "indigent."
Don't own such an electronic reference source? Well then, read on
so you'll be prepared the next time.
A Quick Overview
Today's electronic encyclopedias and dictionaries are a far cry from
the dusty printed volumes that lined your school library. They are
quick and easy to search. Some are packed with multimedia files that
bring information to life through the use of audio and video clips.
These electronic fountains of information run the gamut from
simple to elaborate. Some are quite plain, offering basic
information with little or no graphics or other features. But others
include everything from DVD presentations to Web-based support and
information organizers that practically write reports for you.
A Reference
Primer
The basic types of reference programs that are available include:
Dictionaries: Most are simple, to the point (words and
their meanings), and can either be browsed or searched. Some are
available in languages other than English. Some focus on specific
interests, such as computers, while others are written specifically
for children. Some even talk to you!
Encyclopedias: Remember the printed set that took up an
entire shelf at home? Now all that information is packed onto one or
two CD-ROMs. These references don't just tell, they show too.
Interested in President Kennedy? Don't just read his
biography--listen to a clip from his inaugural speech. As with
electronic dictionaries, some electronic encyclopedias focus on
specific interests, such as Bible study. And some are geared toward
kids.
Read our encyclopedia buying guide.
Encyclopedia-dictionary suites: A handful of the top
reference and software companies sell packages that include
everything a growing family could need. They not only combine the
usefulness of electronic dictionaries and encyclopedias, but also
add tons of extras, such as "online librarians" that can help you
research just about any topic.
Defining Your Best Option
Consider these issues before you start comparison shopping online.
Who will use it? You might think a jazzy £200 reference
suite would be great, but if your 7-year-old will be the primary
user, software written specifically for children might be more
appropriate.
How will it be used? Reference suites are great for
families or anyone looking for general information. They offer a
little bit of information on just about anything. But if you're
looking to write reports on biology or astronomy, you might find
deeper wells of information if you invest in a dictionary or
encyclopedia geared toward those specific areas.
Cost: If you are on a budget, think twice before spending
money on a reference suite. You may simply need a no-frills
dictionary or encyclopedia, available for £25 to £50.
Length of usefulness: Don't expect an electronic reference
to remain useful forever. Just like their printed cousins, reference
programs can grow stale. Look for programs that offer additional
information via Web sites, which can be kept up-to-date.
Online options: It's tough to talk about buying reference
software without pointing out that information is available free of
charge on the Web. Online dictionaries are abundant. However,
research sometimes can be quicker using CD-ROM-based reference
materials. Additionally, reference software usually offers a deeper,
richer selection of information--and you don't need a password to
gain access, as you do for some online sites.
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