World Book Encyclopedia
Grades: 9-to Adult | Subject(s): All | Overall rating: 8
The World Book Encyclopedia is a respected information resource throughout the world. The Carrollton High School Library Media Center owns the 2011 print encyclopedia set. There are twenty-two books in the set, and articles are arranged alphabetically in the books. The collection is really nice, includes a full color cover and pictures throughout.
Since we recently passed the anniversary date for September 11th, I decided to search for an article on "September 11." I found an informative four-page article on the topic. The article had four pictures, one of a plane hitting the second tower, one of former President George W. Bush, one of firefighters working at Ground Zero, and one of the Pentagon. I would have thought a picture from the crash site in Pennsylvania might be included as well, but was disappointed in finding that in the four pages about the topic, only three small paragraphs were devoted to the crash in Pennsylvania.
I've rated this resource as an 8 for two reasons. First, with print resources, the information quickly goes out of date. To purchase a new set for 2015 would cost approximately $1,100, so to provide consistent timely information would be easier by purchasing an online subscription to World Book. However, since we have access to the Britannica Online Encyclopedia for High Schools, I believe that cost is not warranted at this time. Additionally, you cannot manipulate the text in a printed encyclopedia. For example, you cannot differentiate the text for struggling readers, translate the text for speakers of other languages, enlarge the print for students with vision impairments, etc.
The World Book Encyclopedia is a respected information resource throughout the world. The Carrollton High School Library Media Center owns the 2011 print encyclopedia set. There are twenty-two books in the set, and articles are arranged alphabetically in the books. The collection is really nice, includes a full color cover and pictures throughout.
Since we recently passed the anniversary date for September 11th, I decided to search for an article on "September 11." I found an informative four-page article on the topic. The article had four pictures, one of a plane hitting the second tower, one of former President George W. Bush, one of firefighters working at Ground Zero, and one of the Pentagon. I would have thought a picture from the crash site in Pennsylvania might be included as well, but was disappointed in finding that in the four pages about the topic, only three small paragraphs were devoted to the crash in Pennsylvania.
I've rated this resource as an 8 for two reasons. First, with print resources, the information quickly goes out of date. To purchase a new set for 2015 would cost approximately $1,100, so to provide consistent timely information would be easier by purchasing an online subscription to World Book. However, since we have access to the Britannica Online Encyclopedia for High Schools, I believe that cost is not warranted at this time. Additionally, you cannot manipulate the text in a printed encyclopedia. For example, you cannot differentiate the text for struggling readers, translate the text for speakers of other languages, enlarge the print for students with vision impairments, etc.
Source article:
September 11. (2011). In The World Book Encyclopedia (2011 ed., Vol. 17). Chicago: World Book, Inc.
September 11. (2011). In The World Book Encyclopedia (2011 ed., Vol. 17). Chicago: World Book, Inc.