Encyclopædia Britannica Free for Turkish Universities

London, 05 April 2012

Encyclopædia Britannica, the most prestigious digital education resource in the English language, is to offer Turkish universities free access to its online services.

From 01 April 2012, universities throughout Turkey will have completely free access to Britannica online for a month, which is expected to benefit up to more than 2 million university students and staff. Through the initiative, lecturers, teachers and students in Turkey will be invited to rediscover Britannica in the digital age.

The announcement comes following Britannica’s decision to cease publication of its revered 32-volume printed edition to concentrate on its digital and mobile offerings, which have become popular with knowledge seekers in recent decades.

Unlike other free online resources, the Britannica Online Academic Edition has specifically been created to ensure that students in Turkey can research using reliable and fact-checked online material. Students will be able to access the resource both on and off-campus, and it is hoped that through the initiative, students will be provided with facts, context and interactive materials to help boost their studies and help to raise attainment.

Caroline Kennard, International Business Director at Britannica said: “As part of our commitment to raising educational standards and inspiring generations of young learners, we’re delighted to offer universities and colleges in Turkey the chance to experience Britannica in the digital age.

“Britannica already has a strong presence with colleges and universities within Turkey and we’re delighted to be expanding our offering to millions more students. We’re confident that with access to Britannica Online, universities and colleges in Turkey will really see a boost in attainment.”

Britannica online will be available for free until 30 May 2012. Universities and colleges wishing to subscribe to the service should visit www.britannica.co.uk for more information.

Notes to editors:

About Encyclopædia Britannica:
Today Encyclopædia Britannica is a global leader in educational publishing, providing world-class educational resources to universities, colleges and schools around the globe. A pioneer in digital publishing since the early 1980s, the company markets a variety of curriculum products for schools, language-study courses, online learning services, encyclopedias and other reference works.

Since launching in 1994 Britannica Online has grown and developed an extensive range of online products for learners of all ages. The largest and most comprehensive is the Britannica Online Academic Edition, which delivers relevant, web-based content for further and higher education. It is continuously updated, revised and developed with new articles, allowing its users to research confidently with expert information and a host of research tools designed to support advanced study. For schools, the Britannica Online School Edition provides a comprehensive reference and education service specially designed for primary and secondary schools, while the Britannica Online Public Library Edition, delivers three encyclopaedias for different levels, under one product.

Alongside the traditional encyclopaedias, Britannica has also increased its offering to educational institutions through two innovative products, Britannica Image Quest and Britannica Pathways: Science. Britannica Image Quest provides access to more than two million stunning images, sourced from some of the best collections in the world. Britannica Pathways: Science supports effective teaching for students aged 11 – 14 and tackles common misconceptions through interactive and discussion-led resources. In 2012 Britannica Image Quest was selected as a finalist at the BETT Awards in the Best use of Digital Resources category.

For further information about Britannica and its products, please visit: www.britannica.co.uk

Follow Britannica on Twitter: @Britannica_UK Britannica Flickr Feed: www.flickr.com/photos/britannica_image_quest/

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CONTACT:

For further information, please contact:
Ersen Erdem
Business Development Manager
Encyclopædia Britannica (UK) Ltd
EErdem@britannica.co.uk
or:
Eoghan Hughes
PR Manager
Encyclopædia Britannica (UK) Ltd
2nd Floor, Unity Wharf
Mill Street
London SE1 2BH
DDI: +44 (0)20 7500 7805
Fax: +44 (0)20 7500 7878
ehughes@britannica.co.uk