Here's why:
* Online encyclopedias are constantly updated: Unlike printed encyclopedias, online versions are frequently revised and updated. Page numbers would quickly become irrelevant and confusing.
* Content is dynamic: Online encyclopedias often contain links, multimedia elements, and other dynamic features that make referencing page numbers impossible.
* Citation guidelines: Most citation styles for online sources, such as MLA and APA, do not require page numbers for online encyclopedias. Instead, they focus on providing the title of the entry, the URL, and the date accessed.
Example citation for an online encyclopedia entry:
* MLA:
* Author last name, First name. "Entry Title." *Encyclopedia Name*, website name, date published (if available), URL, date accessed.
* APA:
* Author last name, First initial. (Year, Month Day). Entry title. *Encyclopedia name*. Retrieved from URL
Note: If the online encyclopedia entry is from a specific edition or volume, it may be necessary to include this information in the citation.