Top 7 Encyclopedia-Type Sites to Know

Looking for reliable, objective, authoritative information about a topic? Or are you searching for reliable information from experts? Take a look at some of the following sites. 

These sites are well-known among internet searchers because they offer high-quality information with a high level of expertise. They also focus on the needs of their readers, so you won’t have to waste time on pages with content that you don’t need. 

1. Encyclopedia Britannica 

Encyclopedia Britannica is a well-known online general English Language encyclopedia that offers a variety of topics and articles. This site is provided by Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc. and was first published in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1768.

This online encyclopedia is managed by about 100 full-time authors and over 4,000 contributors. If you can’t find what you need on Encyclopedia Britannica, you can check other online sources. For example, if you are looking for information like this, you may find it on Wikipedia.

2. Google Scholar

Google Scholar provides a broadly searchable database of scholarly literature, including articles, abstracts, books, and theses across many disciplines. 

These resources are gathered from universities, academic publishers, online repositories, professional societies, and other websites.  With Google Scholar, you have access to worldwide scholarly resources.

3. Citizendium

In a way, it’s a sister website to Wikipedia since Larry Sanger was one of Wikipedia’s founders.

Citizendium has a better peer review process (including “citeable certifications” and disclaimers for articles that haven’t been sufficiently peer-reviewed) and requires all contributors to use their real names instead of usernames.  

Vandals or other abusers will have a more challenging time coming back if they get kicked out because they can’t just make up a new generic name that could refer to anyone.

4. Gale Virtual Reference Library

The Gale Virtual Reference Library offers titles related to American Indians, the environment, history, law, and natural sciences. Reference sources and biographical resources are also available. You can search individual eBooks or the entire collection.

5. Dotdash Meredith

Formerly About.com, Dotdash Meredith is an American website that offers a wealth of information on various topics. You’ll find information about health and wellness, technology and science, finance, education, food and drink, sports, entertainment, and travel on the site.

Professionals in their fields write all articles you find on this platform, so this is where to go if you are looking for reliable sources on a specific topic or subject.

Also, they manage authority sites in different niches like Verywell.com, a health and wellness website, Investopedia.com, a financial website, and The Spruce.com, a DIY website.

6. Infoplease

The world’s largest education company, Pearson P.L.C., provides a free online encyclopedia.

The site comprises maps, definitions, and information articles found in renowned publications, including those published by Random House and Penguin Group.

7. World Book Online

One more traditional encyclopedia that moved to the web to compete with Wikipedia.  

As with Encyclopedia Britannica Online, some articles won’t be available unless you register with the site.

Well, there you have it. Those are our top seven sites for finding reliable and objective information online.