Encyclopedia Americana/ Wikipedia/ Britannica
The Encyclopedia Americana presents information in a very straight forward linear fashion. The information is usually presented in a concise timeline format up to the date the edition was published. The information is face based, leaving no room for bias, judgments, or interpretation. It is strictly an informative source, expecting the reader to take the information and expound upon its meaning in another setting. The Encyclopedia Americana in unable to be continually edited, resulting in possible old or inaccurate information.
The Wikipedia presents not only fact information, but also controversies, world views, related articles, and up-to-date status of subject. As Wikipedia allows for public editing, the entry is currently being revised and reviewed by peers with links to sources. Wikipedia has free access and is user friendly. Wikipedia has links to clarify any words or idea utilized to describe an entry.
The Britannica presents information, assessment of subject, additional readings, and external websites, for a price. To view for free, a reader is bombarded with pop-ups which may or may not go away once the money has been paid. It also cannot be edited without consent. There is a feature with a suggested edit, but appears to be ultimately up to “the powers that be” regarding the final content provided.
After all were reviewed, Wikipedia definitely shines as the winner.
