Review of the Encyclopedia of Science and Technology Communication. (Susannah Priest, Editor) Sage Publications, Volumes 1 and 2.
Reviewer W. P. Palmer.
It is not convenient to review an encyclopedia by reading it from A to Z and certainly this reviewer does not claim more than to...
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Review of the Encyclopedia of Science and Technology Communication. (Susannah Priest, Editor) Sage Publications, Volumes 1 and 2.
Reviewer W. P. Palmer.
It is not convenient to review an encyclopedia by reading it from A to Z and certainly this reviewer does not claim more than to have looked at a small selection of entries. The Encyclopedia of Science and Technology Communication has 1095 numbered pages (1144 claimed) and more than three hundred substantial entries. These entries are mainly of 1500 words or more, so topics are well developed. There is a good index and there are listings of entries and contributors as well as appendices of university science communication programs and an annotated bibliography which relates to some issues commonly discussed in science communication.
The contributors are in the main university academics from American universities and the science communication programs mentioned largely American programs, but there are a scattering of contributions from Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom. The format is large with double column pages on a good paper and with a tidy appearance, making the encyclopedia comfortable to read. There is little illustration, but every entry has relevant extra readings recommended.
Who does this encyclopedia aim to inform? The encyclopedia is said to inform a broad audience of graduate and undergraduate students in communications, mass media, and journalism as well as postgraduate practitioners. The key themes of the encyclopedia are wide-ranging and include:
* Associations and Organizations
* Audiences, Opinions, and Effects
* Challenges, Issues, and Controversies
* Changing Awareness, Opinion, And Behavior
* Critical Influences and Events
* Global and International Aspects
* Government Agencies (US)
* History, Philosophy, and Sociology of Science
* Important Figures
* Journal Publications
* Key Cases and Current Trends
* Law, Policy, Ethics, and Beliefs
* Major Infrastructural Initiatives
* Practices, Strategies, and Tools
* Professional Roles and Careers
* Public Engagement Approaches
* Theory and Research
* Venues and Channels
Such students have a range of backgrounds so the encyclopedia is particularly useful to those who have limited exposure to scientific concepts. Because of the wide range of topics that science journalists might need to write about, the choice of entries for such a venture is difficult and there is little doubt that some will find problems with some omissions and duplication. However there are few rival publications in the field of science and technology communication. Perhaps future editions might interconnect the various entries where similar topics are mentioned.
However the encyclopedia is an excellent start and should be purchased by university and general libraries, with some school libraries giving it consideration as it could be very useful in helping senior students with their projects.
BILL PALMER
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