It is important to understand how library databases are structured so that you can more efficiently access the information located in them. Let's review some of the terminology: Databases, Records, Fields, Search Systems

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DATABASES

As we just learned, a DATABASE is "a comprehensive collection of related data organized for convenient access."

RECORDS

Like most databases, the data in library databases is organized into RECORDS for each entry.

The database may contain records based on format, for example:

• citation information for journal articles or books
• tables of contents
• datasets of statistical information
• directory information
• subject terms
• abstract of article

FIELDS

The records in a database are made up of FIELDS, such as Author, Article title, Journal title, Publication date, Page number, etc.

 

 

NOTE: Just because the full text of an article may not be available in one database does not mean it is not available elsewhere through ODU Libraries.