electronic encyclopaedia

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The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 26, 2026

Quick Summary

An electronic encyclopedia is a digital reference work that presents information through various technologies. Initially developed on CD-ROM, these encyclopedias evolved to include online versions, leveraging personal computer systems and telecommunications networks for distribution.12

Key features of electronic encyclopedias include:
* Vast Storage Capacity: They can hold significantly more information than print versions at a lower cost.12
* Enhanced Accessibility: High-speed search software allows for quick retrieval of information based on specific queries, in addition to traditional indexes.12
* Multimedia Capabilities: They incorporate animated graphics, sound recordings, and video to supplement text and images, offering a richer user experience.12

Microsoft's Encarta was a prominent example, evolving from a CD-ROM product to an online service before being discontinued in 2009 due to the rise of free online resources. Other notable examples include Britannica Online and the collaborative, open-source Wikipedia.31

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

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encyclopaedia
Electronic encyclopaedias
Given the rapid pace of technological advancement in the contemporary world, it was to be expected that encyclopaedia publishers would seek ways to exploit new technologies in the field of information storage, retrieval, and distribution. During the 1960s and ’70s these new technologies…
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Given the rapid pace of technological advancement in the contemporary world, it was to be expected that encyclopaedia publishers would seek ways to exploit new technologies in the field of information storage, retrieval, and distribution. During the 1960s and ’70s these new technologies…
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Encyclopædia Britannica
Britannica in the digital era
…Britannica was made available for electronic delivery on a number of CD-ROM-based products, including the Britannica Electronic Index and the Britannica CD (providing text and a dictionary, along with proprietary retrieval software, on a single disc). A two-disc CD was released in 1995, featuring illustrations and photos; multimedia, including videos,…
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…Britannica was made available for electronic delivery on a number of CD-ROM-based products, including the Britannica Electronic Index and the Britannica CD (providing text and a dictionary, along with proprietary retrieval software, on a single disc). A two-disc CD was released in 1995, featuring illustrations and photos; multimedia, including videos,…
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hyperlink
…the article “whale” in an electronic encyclopaedia, for example, a hypertext link at the mention of the blue whale enables the reader to access the article on that species merely by clicking on the words “blue whale” with a mouse. The hyperlink is usually denoted by highlighting the relevant word…
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…the article “whale” in an electronic encyclopaedia, for example, a hypertext link at the mention of the blue whale enables the reader to access the article on that species merely by clicking on the words “blue whale” with a mouse. The hyperlink is usually denoted by highlighting the relevant word…
Read More