Hit: Sec. Encyclopedias

[Dawn Sardes <Dmsardes@AOL.COM>]

Last week I asked for suggestions for a set of encyclopedias for the YA area
of my public library.  We already have World Book, Americana, Britannica in
the Adult area, and World Book in the Juv. collection.  I wanted to get
something else for YA.  I'm trying to learn more about the Academic American
set, but the Grolier site does not have it listed.  Ency. Americana, at over
a thousand, is too pricey for me right now.

Of course, I could just keep walking over to adult and use theirs, but...ok,
I admit it, I'm lazy.  No, really, every time I step away from my YA
reference desk, I have to lock the drawers, disconnect the phone (kids like
to call China), and log off the terminal.  A real pain in funny bone.  If any
of you Academic American people have a contact name & number for me, I'd be
grateful.

Thanks to all who wrote.  The New Book of Knowledge review made it sound like
it was secondary level material, and I would have wasted 600 bucks (and not
to mention looking like a fool on my new job for having ordered them).  I
truly appreciate all of you.

Dawn Sardes
YA Librarian
Euclid Public Library
Euclid, OH 44123
dmsardes@aol.com

Da Hit Starts Here!!

------------------------
I would recommend Americana Encyclopedia, also published by Grolier but a
higher level set.
-----------------------
My personal favorite is the the Academic American
Encyclopedia from Groliers.  Colorful, current, easy-to-read
font style.  If I could only have two it would be World Book
and Academic American.
------------------------
 New Book of Knowledge is written at a much lower level than WB.
Encyclopedia is "higher" than WB. I have all 3, all of which are used by
high schoolers with a broad spectrum of reading levels. Personally, EA is
the best for HS reading at grade level.
-----------------------
NBK is aimed at the elem., I believe.
Compton's?  Compton's online and free.
Here's the DMOZ list of online encyclopedias.
http://www.dmoz.com/Reference/Encyclopedia/
Try it first.....
------------------------
I bought the 1994 set of New Book of Knowledge.  It
might be helpful since you laready have WB but I have
found that many topics are not covered in this set.
Also, I have found that the readability is difficult
and not as easy or friendly as WB.
------------------------
I purchased The New Book of Knowledge for my elementary three years ago and
have really regretted it. It doesn't hold a candle to World Book. It's
rarely used.

Have you thought about getting World Book's primary level encyclopedia? I
think it's called Discovery...something like that. A World Book rep could
tell you. My World Book rep is at the elem and I'm not.

Anyway, that would mix things up a little; you'd have quality reference
material, and you'd be addressing the needs of two different audiences.
----------------------------
New Book of Knowledge is pretty low level for YA would consider it for
elementary.  How about Americana? or Compton's (if you want something on
World Book level).
---------------------------
I've always liked the Encyclopedia Americana--I feel it's step above
World Book in reading level, but still quite accessible.  Good state
stuff, too.  Would be interested in a HIT.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=
All postings to LM_NET are protected under copyright law.
To quit LM_NET (or set-reset NOMAIL or DIGEST), send email to:
listserv@listserv.syr.edu   In the message write EITHER:
1) SIGNOFF LM_NET 2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL or 3) SET LM_NET DIGEST
4) SET LM_NET MAIL  * Please allow for confirmation from Listserv.
For LM_NET Help see: http://ericir.syr.edu/lm_net/
Archives: http://askeric.org/Virtual/Listserv_Archives/LM_NET.html
 See also EL-Announce for announcements from library media vendors:
    http://www.mindspring.com/~el-announce/
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=