内容简介：
【主要内容】 The Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology and Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry are long-established and essential titles in many science and technology libraries. Both encyclopedias offer a wide range of chemical and chemical engineering information; even frequent users are on occasion pleasantly surprised by the breadth and scope of these works.
Before reviewing the online versions of these titles, it will be useful to summarize the history and current status of the print editions. The first through fourth editions of the Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology (Kirk-Othmer) were published in print between 1947 and 1998. The print version of the fifth edition began publication in 2004; the 26-volume set will be completed by early 2007 (Bayert 2006a). The first four print editions of Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry (Ullmann's) were published in German between 1914 and 1984. Publication in English began with the fifth edition (1985-1996). The most recent print edition of Ullmann's is the sixth edition consisting of 40 volumes published in 2003. Both encyclopedias were available online by 2000. Online editions are updated continuously and do not correspond to a given print edition (Bayert 2006a). Both the print and online versions are published by Wiley.
Kirk-Othmer has been called both the "most famous chemistry encyclopedia" and also the "single most valuable resource in a chemistry library's reference collection" (Wiggins 1991, pg. 276). Kirk-Othmer may have a greater following in English speaking countries because it has always been published in English. Both Kirk-Othmer and Ullmann's provide information on chemical substances and/or classes of compounds which generally include: physical and chemical properties and CAS numbers; manufacturing/production; toxicology and health/safety aspects; economic data and uses; handling, storage and regulatory information; and a substantial bibliography. In addition, both encyclopedias also offer extensive coverage of subjects fundamental to chemistry and chemical engineering, for example, catalysts, thermodynamics, analytical techniques, and process engineering (Bottle & Rowland 1992; Wolman 1988). See Figure 4 for a full list of subjects covered.
Although differences exist, Kirk-Othmer and Ullmann's are widely viewed as having similar coverage, but with Kirk-Othmer having a more North American perspective and Ullmann's having a more European/Japanese perspective (Maizell 1987; Maizell 1998; Matley 1986; Bayert 2006a). These encyclopedias can be viewed as complementary, since for any given topic, one title often contains some information the other does not (Maizell 1998; Bayert 2006a). For more in-depth discussion on coverage and emphases of these encyclopedias readers are referred to Maizell's excellent analysis of the print editions (Maizell 1998, pg. 252-263).
