Tech Report: Encyclopaedia Britannica Stops Print Editions

(KCBS) – Encyclopaedia Britannica said it will stop making print editions after 244 years as it moves towards digital publishing.

KCBS Technology Analyst Larry Magid said it's a historic moment.

"It does mark an interesting transition time for this iconic set of books that many of us grew up with," said Magid. "Now it's available online, it's available on the iPad and iPhone and you can get a DVD. It really shows that people no longer want printed editions."

KCBS Technology Analyst Larry Magid :

Magid said that people are not willing to spend the amount of money and find the space for those books when they can get it online more conveniently.

He also said online sites like Wikipedia have taken away from Encyclopaedia Britannica.

"Encyclopaedia Britannica is more of a refereed publication with editors and writers. Users know who they are," Magid said. "Wikipedia is a bit more anonymous. But Wikipedia is actually pretty good. I wouldn't count on it or refer to it in a paper, but it's more accurate than a lot of people give it credit for."

The first volumes of Encyclopaedia Britannica were published in 1768.

You can hear Larry Magid's Tech Report Monday through Friday at 3:50pm on KCBS All News 740AM and 106.9FM.

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