|
|
Information Literacy Learning Guides
What is a Database? The IBM Dictionary of Computing defines a database as:
"A collection of data with a given structure for accepting, storing, and providing, on demand, data for multiple users."
Databases run on computers. Each database is set up according to the needs of its creator. Although there are many different types of databases used for a variety of purposes, in this tutorial we will focus on two specific types of databasesThe Online Library Catalog replaces the old card catalog found in most libraries in this country throughout the 20th century. Like the card catalog the new online catalog assists library patrons in locating books and material owned by the library. Unlike the old card catalog, the online catalog may also provide library patrons with access to numerous other library collections. The newest online catalogs even catalog and provide library patrons access to World Wide Web sites on the Internet. Maricopa Community College Online Library Catalog
Electronic periodical databases provide library patrons access to individual magazine article citations. Most electronic periodical indexes also provide library patrons access to the full-text of individual magazine articles. The searching capabilities of electronic periodical indexes is an improvement upon those of the print periodical indexes in that they allow library patrons to search by keywords as well as combining numerous subject headings in one search. Estrella Mountain Database
Internet search engines are electronic indexes for information found on the Web. Unlike online library catalogs and electronic periodical indexes, most Web search engines are constructed by human beings. Online library catalogs are created by catalogers who follow guidelines and rules. Electronic periodical indexes are created by indexers who also use guidelines. Most Web search engines are created automatically by computer programs. Most search engines send out a command to search individual Web pages. Search engine indexing programs use various techniques to organize Web page information including:
- Counting the number of times a word is used on a Web page
- Attempting to determine the context in which words are used
- Ranking words in order of perceived importance
Some examples of popular search engines are: Google and Yahoo
