Information overload and data overload in lexicography

Too often online dictionaries still display too many features determined by the restrictions that applied to printed dictionaries. Data overload in dictionary articles can be regarded as one such relic from the past. However, the idea that online dictionaries have unlimited space has furthered the often uncritical inclusion of too much data. This paper discusses the general term information overload and its lexicographic counterpart data overload. Different types of data overload are identified and the problems users have when retrieving the necessary information from dictionary articles are indicated. The paper does not try to find solutions but rather focuses on the problems and the need for further research to improve future lexicographic practice.