tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2512589253409898521.post3728469049556006202..comments2023-09-01T18:06:57.643+10:00Comments on NSW Reference & Information Services Group: Britannica vs WikipediaNSW Reference and Information Services Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16009359017665955518noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2512589253409898521.post-48022978091336933902009-04-28T11:03:00.000+10:002009-04-28T11:03:00.000+10:00Wikipedia, with a 97% share of the online encyclop...Wikipedia, with a 97% share of the online encyclopedia market, has forced Microsoft to shut down Encarta. How long will it be before Wikipedia claims the prize scalp of Encyclopaedia Britannica?<br /><br />Encyclopaedia Britannica did not think that an open source product like Wikipedia would significantly challenge the credibility of its brand. They were dead wrong and Encyclopaedia Britannica's staff seriously misread the global market. They are now very concerned about the widespread use of a free Wikipedia vs their paid subscription model. From a corporate and financial perspective, Encyclopaedia Britannica is in significant trouble. <br /><br />It will be interesting to see if Encyclopaedia Britannica survives, but recent indications do not look good. It is the combination of a) the success of Wikipedia and b) improved search engines that has put financial pressure on Encyclopedia Britannica over recent years. Many libraries, schools & individuals are questioning the need to pay for sets of expensive books, or to subscribe to Encyclopaedia Britannica Online, when the content is free on the internet, and much more comprehensive.<br /><br />Over the next year or so we will see the continued demise of Britannica as it becomes ever less relevant in a Wikipedia-dominated landscape.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com