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An '''encyclopedia''' is a reference work that summarises knowledge across | An '''encyclopedia''' (also encyclopaedia) is a reference work that summarises knowledge across many subjects or within a specialised domain, organised for look-up rather than narrative reading. Classic print sets (e.g. ''Encyclopædia Britannica'') co-exist with collaboratively edited online projects such as Wikipedia and theme wikis like Foreverpedia. | ||
==Characteristics== | |||
Encyclopedic writing typically aims for: | |||
* Neutral point of view and verifiability via [[Citation]]s | |||
* Stable article structure (lead, sections, see-also) | |||
* Distinguishing [[Primary source|primary]] evidence from secondary synthesis | |||
==Durability== | |||
Online encyclopedias face the same web risks as other sites—[[Link rot]] in footnotes, [[Content drift]] on cited URLs, and platform shutdowns—so serious projects pair editorial policy with [[Digital preservation]] habits (archives of revisions, archived citations, mirrors). | |||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
* [[Citation]] | * [[Citation]] | ||
* [[Primary source]] | |||
* [[Web archiving]] | |||
==Sources== | |||
* Histories of encyclopedias in reference publishing (general). | |||
* Editorial practice notes for wiki-style reference projects. | |||
[[Category:Concepts]] | [[Category:Concepts]] | ||
[[Category:Sources]] | |||
Latest revision as of 05:38, 24 September 2026
An encyclopedia (also encyclopaedia) is a reference work that summarises knowledge across many subjects or within a specialised domain, organised for look-up rather than narrative reading. Classic print sets (e.g. Encyclopædia Britannica) co-exist with collaboratively edited online projects such as Wikipedia and theme wikis like Foreverpedia.
Characteristics[edit]
Encyclopedic writing typically aims for:
- Neutral point of view and verifiability via Citations
- Stable article structure (lead, sections, see-also)
- Distinguishing primary evidence from secondary synthesis
Durability[edit]
Online encyclopedias face the same web risks as other sites—Link rot in footnotes, Content drift on cited URLs, and platform shutdowns—so serious projects pair editorial policy with Digital preservation habits (archives of revisions, archived citations, mirrors).
See also[edit]
Sources[edit]
- Histories of encyclopedias in reference publishing (general).
- Editorial practice notes for wiki-style reference projects.