This book discusses issues to consider when purchasing an encyclopedia and provides reviews of eight print encyclopedias, six CD-ROM encyclopedias, and one online encyclopedia. Each review provides an address and discusses the history, scope and treatment, and quality and currency of the encyclopedia; for CD-ROM encyclopedias, the database structure is described. An introduction discusses why to purchase or subscribe to an encyclopedia; the need for encyclopedias in an "online world"; whether to select print or electronic encyclopedias; and how to select and purchase an encyclopedia. Twelve points to consider before purchasing an encyclopedia are described and include the following: (1) authority; (2) arrangement; (3) subject coverage; (4) accuracy and objectivity; (5) recency; (6) approach; (7) style; (8) bibliographies; (9) illustrations; (10) multimedia; (11) physical format; and (12) yearbooks and other special products. Print and CD-ROM specifications summary charts are also provided. (AEF)