Why a print encyclopedia

[Kate Stirk <stirkk@JUNO.COM>]

I wrote the original poster off the list with a comparison of why print. Since 
Robert asked for a public post, I'll try to gather my wits to share. I feel 
strongly that libraries should have both- on-line and print.

1. If you don't spell corectly the on-line version won't find what you're looking 
for. If you don't spell correctly you can skim the print edition till you find it.

2. If you spell correctly, the on-line version will give you exactly what you asked 
for- no more, no less. In the print version you can scan the article quickly and 
note other facts you might be interested in pursuing without getting  distracted by 
the hyperlinks. With more students being ADD this seems like a very powerful 
argument for print.

3. If the network goes down- no online. Not every school has reliable network 
access. If the electricity goes out- no computers.
Not every school can afford to have online encyclopedia use available at every 
computer in every classroom and available at home for the students. Cost becomes a 
major factor. Not every student has internet access at home. Print can be taken 
outside to be read. :)

4. Print allows a class to use the entire set- each student working from a print 
volume without the distraction of scrolling and clicking.  Think of those ADD 
students. This activity teaches the value of research- for example when I would do 
a Florida unit- we didn't just look up Florida- we looked up St. Augustine, 
Tallahassee, Manatees, Key Deer, Ponce DeLeon, etc-  Yes, I had two sets in 
reference and two sets available for individual volume check out. I would buy the 
latest every other year and cycle them through.

5. Print helps reinforce the alphabetical order skills that people need to use when 
they drive to the airport and are reading the airline signs for which terminal to 
go to while going 45 MPH. That's my favorite reason for teaching/practicing 
alphabetical order by using print resources - Do you want to be driving behind the 
person who needs to stop and read every airline name because they do not realize 
that they are in ABC order :)

Buy both- if you can afford only one- get print.....

Kate Stirk, Librarian
North Metro Technical College (where we just bought the 2004 World Book)
Acworth, Georgia USA
17 years a Media Specialist in Central Florida
StirkK@Juno.com

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