Encyclopedias provide quick access to a wide variety of topics. As a general rule, free online encyclopedias are not the most comprehensive available, but do provide quick access to most topics. Subscription encyclopedias are available for a fee and generally contain more extensive information.

• Encyclopedia Britannica Online: K-12 schools in Saskatchewan are provided with free access to Encyclopedia Britannica Online. This online product provides access to the full 32 volume Encyclopedia Britannica, Britannica Student Encyclopedia, Britannica Elementary Encyclopedia, and Britannica Concise Encyclopedia. Additional features include links to the Internet, videos, online dictionary, atlas, and timeline. To access the encyclopedias from a Saskatchewan school, go to the Saskatchewan Learning website. Select the region that your school district is in and the encyclopedia link. For home access, go to the Saskatchewan Libraries website. Locate your local library, and select the encyclopedia. You will be prompted to enter your name, library barcode number, and PIN.

• Canadian Encyclopedia: Produced by Historica, a foundation dedicated to promoting Canadian history, this free bilingual encyclopedia offers extensive and authoritative information on Canada. Also available is Macleans magazine, interactive resources, and games. For younger students, there is the option to limit the search to the Junior version of the encyclopedia.

• Encyclopedia.com: Provides free access to the Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition.