Encyclopedia of Communication and Information

Geared for high school students and public libraries, this three-volume reference is intended as an introductory reference to various facets of the broad area of communications and information an area so broad, in fact, that the rationale for an alphabetically arranged encyclopedia is not clear. A sampling of the 280 entries illustrates the problem: animal communication, body image (media effect on), Franklin (Benjamin), health communication (careers in), language structure, music (popular), relationships (stages of), human-computer interaction, elections, Sesame Street, gays and lesbians in the media, museums, and language acquisition. How would someone know, for example, to look here also for information about satellites or soap operas? Although the index (in the third volume) affords access by subject, and cross referencing of the entries can help readers follow a thread, a reference with such wide scope should include, at least, a listing of entries grouped according to theme or discipline to better communicate its contents. Most of the entries are several pages in length and include bibliographies. B&w illustrations support the text. The editor is affiliated with Pennsylvania State U., and contributors are from many US institutions. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)