How Do You Choose Between Wikipedia And Classic Encyclopedias?
With the growth of Wikipedia, many people may wonder whether they should use this online resource or a more traditional encyclopedia. The answer, in many cases, isn’t clear cut. Each type has its advantages, and you must keep these in mind when deciding. Ask your instructor about preferences if you need to use an encyclopedia for class. Some instructors will want students to use a classic encyclopedia, rather than one like Wikipedia that can be written and edited by anyone, regardless of their expertise on the topic. Consider the topic that you’re researching. In some cases, topic choice may lead you in one direction over another. Wikipedia is likely to include more popular culture and non-traditional entries than a classic encyclopedia. Think about what you want to do with the information. If you’re just looking for general information for your own knowledge, either source will probably work. If you’re quoting the information as an authority, a classic encyclopedia often carries more
