What is DATABASE and all types of database in Research methodology

What is DATABASE and all types of database?

 The Macmillan Dictionary of Information Technology defines a Database as a collection of interrelated data stored so that it may be accessed by authorized users with simple user-friendly dialogues.

 According to Online Dictionary of Library and Information Science (ODLIS), a large, regularly updated file of digitized information (bibliographic records, abstracts, full text documents, directory entries, images, statistics, etc.) related to specific subject or field, consisting of records of uniform format organized for ease and speed of search and retrieval and managed with the aid of Database Management System Software. Content is created by the Database producer (for e.g. American Psychological Association), which usually Introduction  publishes a print version (Psychological Abstracts) and leases the content to one or more database vendors (EBSCO and OCLC, etc.) that provide electronic access to the data after it has been converted to machine readable form (PsycINFO), usually on CD-ROM or Online via the Internet using proprietary search software.

 A narrower definition from the point of Computer Science is “A database is a collection of data, organized logically and managed by unifying set of principles, procedures and functionalities, that helps guarantee the consistent application and interpretation of that data across the organization” (Korth & Silberschaiz, 1991).

 Most databases used in library are catalogued, periodical indexes abstracting services and full text reference resources leased annually under licensing agreements that limit access to registered borrowers and library staff. In the broadest sense a database can be considered to be the sum total of all data that an organization keeps. An online database is a database accessible from a network, including from the Internet. It differs from a local database, held in an individual computer or its attached storage, such as a compact disc.

 Online library databases provide people with a well-sourced, efficient and exhaustive well of information that can be used for research, curiosity or just for reading pleasure. Such online library databases are highly organized and classified into different database types in order to streamline search efforts. Library databases also contain more reliable information than what people find Introduction on some websites, primarily because the information library databases contain is sourced from experts and professionals.

A library database can be made up of many different components such as a reference database, source or full text database and the library‟s online catalog. An online resource that contains a wealth of information and articles in the form of print sources like newspapers, magazines, journals and reference materials can also be called a library database. In addition, any given library may also subscribe to this online resource.

 Different types of Databases The Databases can be distinguished into major five types as follows;

 Archival Database

An organized collection of records in digital format, containing information to be retained for an indefinite period of time, usually for future reference, for example, the messages received and distributed by an e-mail discussion list or the reference questions received by an digital reference service, including the answers provided. JSTOR is an example of an archival journal database.

 Bibliographic Database

A computer file consisting of electronic entries called records, each containing a uniform description of a specific document or bibliographic item, usually retrievable by author, title, subject heading (descriptor), or keyword(s). Some bibliographic databases are general in scope and coverage; others Introduction provide access to the literature of a specific discipline or group of disciplines. An increasing number provide the full-text of at least a portion of the sources indexed. Most bibliographic databases are proprietary, available by licensing agreement from vendors, or directly from the abstracting and indexing services that create them.

Embedded Database

 An informational database accessible from within another software application, such as Microsoft Office 2003, which includes a feature enabling users to highlight words or phrases in their document or select a "look up" option to open a research window and enter keyword(s) in a data entry box, then select the source or service they wish to search. Microsoft has contracted with third-party content providers to incorporate some sources (Encarta Encyclopedia, dictionaries, and a thesaurus) directly into its applications. Other providers, such as Factiva, LexisNexis, and Gale, provide some free information normally retrievable only by logging on to their proprietary sites, with additional information available for a fee. In most cases, users must pay for full-text with a credit card if they do not have access to an institutional subscription. The main advantage of embedded databases is convenience to the user. Introduction 7

 Meta Database

A database of databases, usually formed by aggregating two or more smaller databases to allow the user to search their contents as a whole, instead of repeating the same search in each separately (example: OneFile from Gale, which consolidates the InfoTrac bibliographic databases into a single, very large finding tool). The pace of aggregation has accelerated as very large vendors have dominated the market for access to periodical databases, but however helpful "one-stop searching" may be in interdisciplinary research (and to users who lack the skill to select the optimum databases for a specialized topic), segmentation still offers significant advantages for the experienced researcher.

Niche database

An electronic database designed to provide information about a very specific topic, as opposed to a range of topics, usually for a limited audience. An example is Thomson's SDC Platinum, providing current and historical data on mergers and acquisitions of domestic and international companies, new issues, and venture capital funding. The reference database includes Metadata or bibliographical information such as Title, Author, Publisher, Web links, Keywords, citations and Abstracts. These are sometimes referred as referral database by including the information on persons, organizations for particular subjects.