Please follow the outline below unless discussed with your editor. Also, look closely at the enclosed sample as a guideline.

Each article will include:

First paragraph: Explain clearly what the topic is and why it is important

Body of the article: Explain the concept in more detail. Think of the kinds of information you would expect to find if you looked this concept up in an encyclopedia. The information needed here will vary with the type of article assigned. Please refer to the enclosed sample article for each particular category to get a sense of what should be included.

Articles in the "People" category, for example, which are biographies, need to follow a specific style set out in the sample article, with the main biographical facts coming at the end of the piece in a separate paragraph. Here is another example. For the "Place" entries, you will want to cover:

• Geographical position and normal boundaries
• Physical characteristics
• Temperature, depth
• Currents, circulation patterns
• Environmental/economic issues
• What kinds of flora and fauna can be found here

Subheads:  For the A length and B length articles, subheads should be used.  The above suggestions for topics to cover in articles on geographic places could be used as the subheads in the actual text of the articles.

Bibliography: At the end of you article text, you will need to include a "Further Reading" section that points users to more material on the subject, either in books or journals. This section needs to include the most important and readily available books and articles on the topic. Both books and articles should be appropriate for the audience. Avoid scholarly articles written for professionals.

Please follow this guideline as to how many sources to list:

A length (2200-2600 words) = 6 MINIMUM

B length (1100-1400 words) = 5 MINIMUM

C+ length (1000-1100 words) = 4 MINIMUM

C length (400-600 words) = 3-4 MINIMUM

D length (200-300 words) = 2 MINIMUM

Foreign Editions: Please include foreign-language editions of English-language sources if you know they exist. Also, for English-language editions, include the UK edition (again, if you know one exists).

Sources: Please include a list of sources that you consulted while researching your article. This should be separated from your "Further Reading" list.

Related Topics: Please create a "Related Topics" list that includes several topics related to the entry. 

Special Note on Including Individual Scientists in Articles:  This note relates particularly to articles on organizations. When citing examples of significant individuals from the organization, use the following criteria for selection: the individuals should either have changed the course of their discipline in some significant way or have been elected into the National Academy of Science.