An Online Tutorial Taking You Through the Steps of the Library Research Process What is a Database

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Tutorial Contents:
  1. Library Map & Virtual Tour
  2. Avoiding Impulse Buys
  3. Size & Shape of Information
  4. Most Bang for Your Buck
  5. Trying it on for Size
  6. Don't Shoplift!
 

What is a database?

A database is an organized collection of computer records having a standard format designed for efficient retrieval of information.  The MCC Library, like most libraries, has many databases.  The library catalog is just one example of a database.  We also have databases for finding articles from magazines, newspapers, and journals.  ProQuest is an example of this type of database, which is often referred to as a periodical or article database.

Databases are designed for three main purposes.  These are to organize, store, and retrieve information as efficiently and effectively as possible. Probably the retrieval of information is the most important of these three.  It doesn't matter how well your database stores information if you can never get it back out again.  It would be like having a piggy bank full of money that you couldn't open.   But unlike a piggy bank, breaking the computer doesn't release the information. 

 

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