Databases

A database is a one or more large structured sets of data, usually used in conjunction with software to maintain and locate the stored information. Databases are collections of data, but stored in a way that (hopefully) allows those with an understanding of the system to locate specific material in a vast ocean of information.

Databases are used in libraries are mostly relational databases, meaning that the information of a particular item is broken down into smaller components (metadata) that can be used as a keyword for a search. This can be as basic as the subject matter or as specific as the ISBN number, depending on the records being kept by the library. For example, all of the novels by F. Scott Fitzgerald have an element of the catalogue record that is the author’s name. This includes not only The Great Gatsby but also Tender Is The Night and This Side Of Paradise. Though all of his works are listed under his name, if a patron were to search for only one work, they would be lead directly to it rather than having to navigate a maze of connections to arrive at that point. Though relational databases are the most common ones found in libraries today, the older model, called hierarchal databases, are still in use in some libraries. This system used one file as a base and stored the other records through it in a tree-like manner. Because more data was required to keep them, they also tended to consume more space. These databases are thankfully being used less and less as libraries are converting their databases to relational models.

Ideally speaking, relational databases will make it easier for patrons to search for materials that are available in a library. The many paths leading to the particular work allow them to approach it by author, title, subject, edition, publication year, etc. Whereas more cumbersome techniques used to require more than one of those aforementioned elements of a work to find it, patrons can now search using only one of the elements. One potential problem that arises from this is that those with limited computer access and/or skills will still require assistance from their librarians to find materials. As a result, access to what the library has to offer would be limited by the technology to only those with the ability to use the search engines effectively. Even someone that knows how to search does not necessarily know how to find a specific volume on, say, the Second World War. As a result, librarians must find a happy medium that allows the technology to assist patrons while also allowing the technology to be advanced enough to help patrons find exactly what they are looking for.