Encyclopedias

Encyclopedias contain factual articles on many subjects. There are two types of encyclopedias -- general and subject. General encyclopedias provide overviews on a wide variety of topics. Subject encyclopedias contain entries focusing on one field of study.

PURPOSE: To give BACKGROUND information on a topic

CHARACTERISTICS:

General Encyclopedias

• Cover ALL TOPICS
• Include definitions, descriptions, history and statistics
• Feature SHORTER articles

Subject Encyclopedias

• Cover topics in one SUBJECT or FIELD
• Include definitions, descriptions, history and statistics
• Feature LONGER articles with BIBLIOGRAPHIES