An online database of scholarly play research, The Encyclopedia of Play Science, is nearly complete after more than two years of work by the National Institute of Play and the International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association. The resource, which is available for free through Scholarpedia.org, contains nearly a dozen academic works on the benefits and effects of active play.

The National Institute for Play detailed the ongoing construction of an online resource for scientific play research at this year's Conference on the Value of Play, held in February at Clemson University.

The Encyclopedia of Play Science debuted at the conference in 2012, and is supported by the International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA) along with the National Institute for Play. The database is nearly complete, and currently features eleven important works on play and its benefits and effects, including the negative effects from lack of play during childhood.

National Institute for Play founder Dr. Stuart Brown, IPEMA marketing committee chair Tom Norquist, and IPEMA representative Lesley Sillaman presented the Encyclopedia's history and research to an audience of academics, industry leaders and play enthusiasts.

The resource, which resides on Scholarpedia.org, (search "Play Science,") serves as the first known database of academic research about play, and offers free access to scholarly resources about play to the public.

"We in the play community know how important this research is in helping the field of play science live alongside other social sciences," said Brown, who also serves on the Board of Advisors for IPEMA's Voice of Play initiative. "Now, the larger academic community and public have access to research from some of the giants in our industry. We're pleased to be able to offer this resource for free, and will continue to build on the initial research provided."