In September 2014 I wrote a post entitled “Come Back My Little Oxford”, (http://newauthoronline.com/2014/09/28/come-back-my-little-oxford/). In that article I lamented the giving away of the Braille edition of my Dictionary and explained that the work is no longer available from the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).
I am frequently reminded of “The Little Oxford” when writing poetry and short stories. I wish to ascertain the meaning of a word or phrase, break off from my writing, go online and look it up. What is the problem with doing this? I hear someone ask. Surely the internet provides a wealth of information and unlike paper reference books, online material can be updated in the blink of an eye thereby ensuring the person in search of knowledge has the most up-to-date data at their fingertips
I agree with much of the above. It is impossible to deny the ease with which online sources of reference can (and are) updated. My problem with online reference material falls into 2 main areas:
- By going online I am distracted from the writing process and fall prey to the desire to check email or social media while connected. Additionally many online reference sources survive by using advertising which can be distracting when all one wants to ascertain is the definition of a word or phrase.
- I enjoy the physicality of books. Its pleasant to turn the pages of a hard copy work rather than search Google or other internet engine for the meaning of words.
It could be argued that I could avoid being distracted by carrying out online research prior to starting the writing process. Would that things where that simple. Admittedly I could, while writing note down words I wished to look up and research them online once the writing process has finished. However this can entail using a word and/or phrase of which I am unsure, marking it up for checking at a later point in time and continuing on with my writing. It is, in my experience easier to check as one is going along rather than using a word in the wrong context then, at a later point discovering one has done so.
In conclusion the world of online reference possesses many advantages, not least among them the ability to find meanings which may not have filtered down into paper works due to their newness. However this is, in my experience cancelled out by the distractions of the online world. As I said back in September 2014, “come back my Little Oxford”.
K Morris - Poet 
I would never go without my ‘paper’ dictionary when writing. When it comes to looking up words I think the physical book is actually quicker. Of course as you say there is also the possible distraction element of signing-on.
And just to refer to another of your thoughts. To make a list of words to check later I find is not at all helpful and in fact is actually counteractive. Why? Because my query about whether I have used the correct or appropriate word continues at the back of my mind and distracts my thoughts from what is in front of me.
No I would never like to be parted from my physical dictionary.
Thanks for your comment. You make a good point about making lists and the meaning of words remaining at the back of your mind until they have been looked up. The only dictionary I now own is “The Fontana Dictionary Of Modern Thought”, 1977 edition. I am sure it must have been updated since then, however mine is in braille and the 1977 (let alone a more recent edition) is no longer available from RNIB. Kevin
Very sorry to hear they have not bothered updating with new editions. There must be many people who would like to have access to one. Perhaps they have ones by different publishers available.
Thanks for your comment. I think the main reason is that braille is very expensive to produce when compared to print and RNIB gets little (if any) money from the government. You have, however inspired me to keep on searching for a braille dictionary. Kevin
I still have my hard copy and use it often because the internet/spell check cannot always recognize my bad spelling but I’ll find it in my dictionary (eventually).
Thanks for your comment. Its good to know that I am far from being alone in my liking for paper dictionaries. Which dictionary do you use? Best. Kevin