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Database
A database
provides a way of organizing information so that you can easily
find what you are looking for. Some types of databases are:
Print Databases
The index of a book is a print index. It allows you to
go quickly to a topic in the book. A phone book is another
type of print database. |
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Electronic Databases
We usually think of searchable
electronic indexes and catalogs when we refer to databases.
The Library Catalog, InfoTrac, Periodical Abstracts,
and ABI/Inform are examples of electronic databases.
They let you quickly go to a topic in books or periodicals.
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In an electronic
database each article or book has its own record, which provides
information about it.
Each record is composed of individual pieces of information
called fields. Fields include such information as the author,
title, publisher, subject heading, etc. for that item. Each
of these fields is a searchable access point to the information.
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