One of the main advantages of Wikipedia is that it is more convenient, free and editable by anyone. But the fact that it is editable by almost anyone raises an alarm. That is; facts can be easily manipulated and changed. On the other hand, Encyclopedias contain almost all subject matters that you are interested in, but since most of them are labeled as 'References" in bookshelves makes them hard to be checked out. In that sense, you can only use them in libraries unless otherwise you have one at home.
I found out almost six different copies of Encyclopedia that cover my topic. I wrote “Encyclopedia AND Natives AND Minnesota AND Tribes" in my search string. I also used "Native Indians AND Encyclopedia AND Indians AND Minnesota AND Tribes".
When I was searching for E-Encyclopedia I typed “Electronic AND Encyclopedia AND Natives AND Minnesota AND Tribes" in my search string and found one E-Encyclopedia.
After locating and reading an encyclopedia and Wikipedia entry on my topic I am liking more on Encyclopedia than the Wikipedia because I think Encyclopedias contain more solid information than the Wikipedia, but I will be using both for my research presentation.
Hi Abdi,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your post on encyclopedia and Wikipedia entries.
What made the encyclopedia entry that you found on your topic better than the Wikipedia entry? (Think about those book evaluation criteria that we talked about in class last time--what would make one entry more appropriate for academic audiences than another?)
I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Professor Wexelbaum
Hello Dr.rachel,
DeleteIt was because of the credits given to the authors at the end of each entry that they have authored or co-authored. And also the entries are written by presumably experts on that subject matter.
Hi Abdi,
ReplyDeleteIt is true that the Wikipedia article does not credit any authors, even in the "Talk" section. The Native Americans of the United States Wikipedia article used to have "Featured Article" status, but it got downgraded because no one has updated the article since 2004. Apparently, Wikipedia does value currency!
Sincerely,
Professor Wexelbaum