The End of an Encyclopedia Era

As a first-generation college student, some of the most impactful lessons in my childhood came at the hands of family members who valued an education for which they had limited access. My paternal grandfather barely had an elementary education, but he would take the time to read me news stories and ask me my opinion about current events. He always instilled in me an appreciation for seeking knowledge. I distinctly remember the traveling salesman coming by my grandfather's house to sell him individual encyclopedias. Because of his limited income, it was not an option for my grandfather to buy a complete encyclopedia set at one time. So whenever he could afford it, he would add to his collection with the goal of one day being able to boast he owned a complete set.

Fast forward 30 years, I am faced with the realization that we have come to the end of an era. Encyclopedias have been replaced by a digital age that is accustomed to instantaneous information, and the thought of waiting to get information is yesterday's news. Wikepedia is probably bookmarked on most users' computers and content is constantly being updated in real time, not solely by trained researchers, but by the everyday Joe. According to Bruns (2007), Generation C are leading the way of "user-led content creation communities." This is a generation characterized by not just the consumption of content, but also the production of content, which breeds the term "prosumers." 

There are obviously advantages to the speed for which we are now able to access information. Breaking news is no longer evening news, but stories that are available to us within seconds of an incident happening at home or abroad. One of the challenges with this newfound convenience is determining what are accurate and credible news/information outlets. This can be especially challenging in an academic setting when unsubstantiated information is posed and treated as facts. While we must be open to the ever changing ways in which our students are used to consuming and producing information in this digital age, we must be ever vigilant in ensuring credibility is not be sacrificed in the name of convenience.

Bruns, A. (2007). Beyond difference: Reconfiguring education for the user-led age. ICE 3: Ideas, Cyberspace, Education. Ross Priory, Loch Lomond, Scotland. (Unpublished).