Established in 1985, the Encyclopedia began in print form before transitioning to CD-ROM, then moving to a digital format in 2001. In 2003, the Encyclopedia incorporated the content of the "Encyclopedia of Music in Canada", which included around 3,000 articles and 500 illustrations. In October 2013, the Encyclopedia released its present "enhanced digital interactive" version online, with multimedia augmented through acquisition and partnerships with "Maclean’s" magazine and The Canadian Press. These interactive features include "curated content exhibits, interactive timelines,…and a user-generated content map" that allows users to "share their stories," as well as classroom resources, quizzes, and themed study guides for teachers and parents to use. With its online format, the Encyclopedia is now able to be updated on a daily basis—also allowing for immediate updates to important events—as well as having a staff of six full-time editors regularly write and commission new articles.