Journal of Siberian Federal University. Humanities & Social Sciences / Specifics of Electronic Encyclopedias Compared to “Printed” Book-Format Encyclopedias

Full text (.pdf)
Issue
Journal of Siberian Federal University. Humanities & Social Sciences. 2025 18 (4)
Authors
Koptseva, Maria S.; Zotov, Stepan O.
Contact information
Koptseva, Maria S. : Siberian Federal University Krasnoyarsk, Russian Federation; ; ORCID: 0009-0004-9363-5749; Zotov, Stepan O. : Siberian Federal University Krasnoyarsk, Russian Federation;
Keywords
encyclopedics; encyclopedia; digital technology; Wikipedia; user experience
Abstract

The article is dedicated to a comparative analysis of electronic and print encyclopedias, tracing their evolution from ancient compendiums to modern digital platforms. The authors explore the historical context, from the works of Pliny the Elder and medieval lexicons to Enlightenment-era encyclopedias (Diderot’s L’Encyclopédie) and large-scale projects of the 19th-20th centuries (Encyclopædia Britannica, Brockhaus and Efron). The focus is on the transformation of encyclopedias in the digital era, including the emergence of Wikipedia, the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, and other online resources. The article highlights key differences between formats: accessibility, relevance, multimedia integration, interactivity, reliability, and economic aspects. It emphasizes that, unlike print encyclopedias, digital platforms provide instant access, dynamic updates (as demonstrated by COVID-19 articles), integration of audiovisual elements, and collaborative editing. However, challenges related to information verification are also noted, including Wikipedia’s multi-tiered review system and expert curation in Scholarpedia. Through the research of Pentzold, Martens, and Pang, the article illustrates how digital technologies redefine the roles of authors, editors, and users, shaping new models of interaction with cultural heritage. It concludes that electronic encyclopedias are not merely digital analogs of print versions but innovative tools that transform the production, dissemination, and consumption of knowledge in the global information society

Pages
674–683
EDN
VFQKFT
Paper at repository of SibFU
https://elib.sfu-kras.ru/handle/2311/155100

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