Library Tutorial - Selecting a Database - What is a Database?

A database is an organized collection of information that is made up of related records. It is arranged in such a way as to make it easy to obtain specific pieces of information. While most databases are in an electronic format some exist in hard copy form and some are in both. Examples of electronic databases are the McConnell Library Online Catalog, ERIC or LexisNexis. A phone book is an example of a hard copy database though it can also exist in an electronic format.

Each record in a database is composed of a set of fields, which contain the individual elements of information for a particular item. In a library catalog each book and journal has its own record and the information about each is contained in the fields for that record. Standard fields for books include titles, authors, and publication date. These fields tend to be the same for each entry although the data they contain varies.

Diagram of the database conceptual structure:

Example of a record:

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