Describes the forthcoming revision of the Dictionary of National Biography (DNB), stressing the overdue need for revision to correct inaccuracies in the entries and the under representation of women, industrialists, businessmen, members of the labour and trades union movements and other groups. Plans for the publication of the New Dictionary of National Biography (New DNB) in 2004 will extend the coverage from 36 500 existing articles (all to be revised or rewritten) to 50 000 articles. Takes the example of this massive reference work and considers the future practicality of publishing in printed format, despite its advantages and the likelihood of continuing demand. Places the argument within the overall economics of such enterprises, bearing in mind the trend, led by Microsoft’s Encarta, of selling cheap electronic products, often bundled with other software, which could undermine the future of existing and future products. Concludes that the truly great reference works of the future, such as DNB, may only be economically viable if they are subsidized by government funding.
