Cl2 - Friday, August 24, 1984 - North Shore News 5 Buying YOU HEAR a knock at the door and there he is — the “encyclopedia salesman. He stands with a compendium of world knowledge under his arm, wondering if he’li make a sale. You stand there thinking about your child’s education, the cost of the set and, above all, whether or not the large investment is really worth it. First, start with the basics, and ask yourself these three essential questions: 1)Do 1 needan encyclopedia? 2) How much do ! want to spend? In general, quality en- cyclopedias range in price from about $350 to more than $2,000 for the leather- bound edition of some. Don’t pay for fancy bin- dings, bookcases or other ex- pensive add-ons when it’s the content of the encyclopedia that you really want. 3) How do | comparison shop? Encyclopedias are general- ly not available through regular retail channels. So, unless you want to sit SHOOL, encyclopedias only way to compare most encyclopedias available today is to personally examine the sets on the shelves at your local school or public library. WHAT TO LOOK FOR Once a decision is made to buy an encyclopedia, here isa checklist of what to look for: Be wary of the ‘‘demonstrator’’ volume. Ask to see a real volume, or better yet, the entire encyclopedia. The problem with a ‘*‘demonstrator’’ or **prospectus’’ volume is that it tends to be atypical — the publisher selects the best ar- ticles and crowds the volume with color illustrations. Be sure to read the preface, since this is where the editors usually tell you for what au- dience they have created the encyclopedia and what its special features and benefits are. Do not be overly impressed with a long list of advisors and contributors; every quality encyclopedia features such a list. However, major articles — especially on controversial wrote them. This is a sign that the encyclopedia was prepared with respect for accuracy. The balanced presentation of conflicting viewpoints ona subject is an important ele- ment of a quality encyclopedia. CHECK CONTENT Check articles in such areas as economics, politics, psychology and art, where Opposing perspectives are common, to see if the publisher offers readers an impartial analysis. To check on recency, look at the date of a population census for any major coun- try, or at the most recent book cited in a bibliography, or even at the date of a major Supreme Court decision. Check the encyclopedia’s format, index and _ cross references to see how easily and precisely you can travel through its pages to the desired material. Take a close look at the maps, illustrations and charts. Pictures often provide a better source of informa- co : 7 = a a ¥ RO A 1 UB RP A Off to School! Looking Great with a little help from Mum! worsted, chunky, sayelle & more are machine washable by Paton’s, Jaeger, Phentex, Laine Dor, Frizelle SAVE 10% thru AUG. 31/84 KNIT AND PURL WOOL SHOP 11710 W. 13th St. 984-0401 Sew & Save () % discount for student school 0 projects including notions. Baby Quilts 10% off regular price silk 90cm $55°m laces, notions, fabrics, patterns Vogue, McCall’s, Simplicity, Butterick Lewing Koom ANNA VANDENAKKER: 1717 Lonsdale N. Van. 988-5822 through the pitches of several subjects — should include the | tion and understanding than door-to-door salespeople, the names of the authorities who text. Limited Quantities Aug. 25-Aug. 31 only FI te a at te ae a, {Computer Books le - y? {in stock) 28X%off Concise Oxtord Dichonary reg 19.95 SALE 15.951; poster 9th New Collegiate Dictionary reg\16 95 SALE 13.50 giish Dictionary Canadian Ed Picture from Beatrix Potter wie oa J . apnea all, North Vancouver Phone -985 - 7616 Ss ts & im to school ‘Brea Buy the ADAM™ Family Computer System or the ADAM™ Family Computer Module and you'll receive a complete ADAM™ Home Software Library. It includes 32 Misses 13.4 useful programs (with Ladies 6-8 step-by-step instruction Taupe, grey book), featuring home helpers, educational aids, games and graphics. SALE 999"? cash Module 899" casn black, navy kiddie kobbler! Sonth Park Royal 926-1616 YOUR HUMBLE SERVANT RECORD & VIDEO 987-341 5 GAME SHOPPE io} westlynn mall