Database Project


"I do not fear computers. I fear the lack of them."
Isaac Asimov (1920-1992)



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Description of Situation

Database capability is essential in the computing environment for storage and organization of information that can be retrieved for research purposes. A database is a collection of similar records which is stored on a computer and organized so that any part of it is searchable and retrievable. A database management system is required to perform the functions of organization and retrieval of data. The components of a database typically include files, records and fields. In LSC 508, Introduction to Information Science and Technology, each student is required to submit fifteen citations in APA format. Each citation must be accompanied by an annotation of fifty words or less. Citations must correspond with the selected weekly topics that are covered in the syllubus provided by the Professor and selected from professional scholarly journals.


This accumulating wealth of data provides a high quality, authoritative database that would expand the research tools available to LSC 508 current and future students. The purpose of this project is to build a database containing entry fields that would create a searchable database.


Original Format
Author's Last Name, First Name Initial. (Publication Year). Title of the Article. Source Title, Volume/Issue, Page #s.
(for more details on APA Citation Format, refer to the link provided)
APA Style Handbook


Input Requirements

Field Name Length Description
Entry ID # 04 System generated identification number for DB entry
First Author's Last Name 30 First Author's Last Name
First Author's First Name 20 First Author's First Name
Second Author's Last Name 30 Second Author's Last Name
Second Author's First Name 20 Second Author's First Name
Third Author's Last Name 30 Third Author's Last Name
Third Author's First Name 20 Third Author's First Name
Publication Year 04 Publication year
Title 250 Article Title
Source 60 Publication in which Article was printed
Volume/Issue 10 Volume/Issue # of Publication
Page #s 10 Page Numbers
Annotation 255 Description of the article 50 words or less



Estimated Size of the Database

Description Bytes
Size of record 739
15 Records per student 11,085
25 students 277,125
3 Semesters 891,375
5 Years 4,156,872



Software Selected
Microsoft Access


Hardware Selected
Windows XP
1.80 Ghz CPU
128 Mb RAM (256 preferred)
20 Gb Harddrive
R/W CD Drive
Printer


Database Access Form
A new form was created to allow for variability in APA Citation Format. As depicted in the form below, I've added an Entry ID # field and the Annotation Field. These fields were added to enhance the query capabilities of the Database. A key word search can be executed on the Annotation Field.