New Georgia Encyclopedia facts for kids
The New Georgia Encyclopedia (NGE) is an online encyclopedia. It has more than 2,000 articles about the state of Georgia. Think of it as a huge digital book about everything Georgia! This project is run by Georgia Humanities (GH). They work with the University of Georgia Press, the University System of Georgia/Georgia Library Learning Online (GALILEO), and the Governor's Office.
Contents
How the NGE Started
The NGE first launched in 2004. It was special because it was the very first state encyclopedia made only for the internet. The idea for it came from a book called The New Georgia Guide. This guide was published in 1996 by Georgia Humanities and the University of Georgia Press. It was a very popular book.
From Guide to Encyclopedia
Because the guide was so successful, Georgia Humanities and UGA Press had a new idea. They talked to Governor Zell Miller. He had helped fund The New Georgia Guide in the first place. They convinced him to help pay for a new, big encyclopedia about Georgia. They planned for it to be both a printed book and an online version. The name "New Georgia Encyclopedia" was chosen to honor the old guide. It also showed that it was a new kind of encyclopedia, made for the internet.
Why It's Only Online
As the project grew, the plans for a printed book changed. The people working on the encyclopedia decided it would be better to keep it only online. They felt that an online encyclopedia could be updated easily. A printed book would quickly become outdated. They also promised that the online version would still have the same high-quality information as a printed book.
Who Helps Run the NGE
Georgia Library Learning Online (GALILEO) joined the project in 1998. GALILEO is a special website for libraries and schools in Georgia. It gives them access to many helpful databases. Today, GALILEO is the one that hosts the NGE website. This means they help keep the website running smoothly.
What You Can Find in the NGE
The people who created the NGE wanted it to cover many different topics. Unlike other state encyclopedias, it's not just about history and culture. The NGE has articles divided into 10 main topics.
NGE Topics
- Arts and Culture
- Business and Economy
- Counties, Cities, and Neighborhoods
- Education
- Geography and Environment
- Government and Politics
- History and Archaeology
- Science and Medicine
- Sports and Outdoor Recreation
- People
Almost 800 different writers have helped create articles for the NGE. In early 2011, the website was very popular. It received between 1 and 2 million visits each month!
Website Improvements
The NGE website got a new look in 2013. These updates made it easier to use. They added better ways to play videos and audio. They also improved the search engine. This new search engine helps students find articles that match what they are learning in school. It follows the Georgia Educational Standards.
