Understanding Databases and Information Systems

Understanding Databases

Databases are organized collections of related information that are designed to transform data into usable information. They are a crucial component of many information systems and play a significant role in generating knowledge for decision-making. Databases can be used to store and manage a wide range of data, from text documents to complex data structures like graphs and tables.

The Role of Databases in Information Systems

The primary goal of many information systems is to transform raw data into meaningful information, which can then be used to generate knowledge. This process allows for the creation of a deeper understanding of a topic, often referred to as wisdom. The final step in this process is the transition from knowledge to wisdom, which typically requires a combination of knowledge and experience.

Examples of Data and Databases

Data can take many forms, such as documents, music files, videos, spreadsheets, web pages, and e-books. A database is an organized collection of related information, where all data is described and associated with other data. Unlike a filing cabinet, databases are primarily digital and allow for easy manipulation and analysis of the data they contain.

Relational Databases

One of the most popular forms of databases is the relational database, which organizes data into one or more tables. Each table consists of fields that define the nature of the data stored in the table, and records represent individual instances of these fields. Relational databases are particularly useful for managing large amounts of data and can be used by a variety of software applications, including database management systems (DBMS) and personal database management systems (PBMS).

Enterprise Databases

Enterprise databases are designed to handle the needs of larger organizations, often with multiple users accessing the database simultaneously. These databases are typically built and supported by companies like Oracle, Microsoft, and IBM and are installed on a single computer or distributed across multiple servers.

Importance of Databases in Academic Research

Databases are a valuable resource for academic research, particularly for locating scholarly journal articles. They offer a wide range of resources, including books, reference book articles, popular magazine articles, and newspaper articles. Databases are often evaluated for accuracy and credibility, and they provide search capabilities that enable users to find focused results.

Using Databases for Finding Information

To use databases effectively, it is essential to understand the basics of database searching and to apply techniques such as breaking down research questions into single concepts, using synonyms, and combining concepts. Additionally, users should apply limits to focus their results and evaluate the relevance and credibility of the results.

Accessing Full-Text Articles

Once you have identified relevant articles through database searching, the next step is to access the full text of the articles. Many databases provide links to the full text of articles if the library has a subscription to the journal. If the full text is not available, users can check the library's e-journals page, the library catalog, or request the article through interlibrary loan.