The Bookseller.com

25th July 2008

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Brockhaus makes online move

19.02.08 Philip Jones

The German encyclopedia publisher Brockhaus has announced that it is to publish its reference works on the internet for free to offset falling revenues and compete with Wikipedia. The move has put into doubt future printed editions of the respected encyclopedia. The online version will be funded through advertising.

In addition, the publisher's management is reviewing ways to reduce costs, which could also include cutting about 50 jobs at the Mannheim office. Brockhaus employs nearly 450 people nationwide, about 250 of whom are in Mannheim.

Brockhaus is planning to launch its free encyclopedic portal in mid-April, with the publisher hoping that its edited information will set itself apart from Wikipedia.

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