How to Use an Encyclopedia

An encyclopedia is an easy-to-use reference tool found in all libraries. An encyclopedia may be one volume and have a very specific topic as its subject, or an encyclopedia may have multiple volumes that cover a wide range of topics. Because encyclopedias are so easy to use and so accessible, many people use them as their first choice for a reference tool.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Decide if you need a general encyclopedia or a specialized one. Most general encyclopedias are multivolume sets and follow a similar format.

2. Examine the directions for the specific encyclopedia you are using. Most encyclopedias are set up in alphabetical format, but not all are. Some encyclopedias require that you know the key word or subject heading in order to find the correct information scattered throughout a variety of volumes. Other encyclopedias devote different volumes to different subjects.

3. Locate the index. Depending on the encyclopedia, the index is usually in the last series of volumes and is in alphabetical order. It gives you page numbers and volume numbers to locate the article you are researching.

4. Read the article. As you do research, you can find other cross-references that can broaden your topic and provide new insight into your research. Also, pay attention to maps, graphs and pictures in the article.

5. Study the outline provided for longer articles. This is a helpful reference tool when organizing your writing.

6. Cite authors correctly. Each encyclopedia has different methods of listing authors. This information is either in the introductory material or in the index.

Resources

• Research topics online at the Encyclopædia Britannica website.