LSC 508 Database Assignment

INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
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Database Assignment

Many applications of computers in libraries and information centers lend themselves to the use of databases, for example, statistical reports, schedules, personnel records, inventories, and mailing lists. For this assignment you are asked to design a database to search for articles on topics for this course. The records in this data base will be the annotations written for the class by yourself and all others taking this class in the spring (two sections, fifteen annotations per student), summer (one section, ten annotations per student) and fall (two sections, fifteen annotations per student) over the next five years. You may do the planning for this assignment individually or in a small group made up of yourself and other members of the class. If you choose to work in a group to plan the data base, each individual in the group is expected to write his or her own report and set up, enter his or her own records, and retrieve and print out his or her own records.

You are to determine a need for this information and identify the users. You will select the database program and a computer system that will be appropriate for the assignment. You are to use the systems approach in designing your database as described in the presentation on databases (week of 2/5-2/11/07 lesson) on the LSC 508 WebCT website. You may include other information that you find may be relevant to the assignment but the following information must be included in your report:

a description of the situation including the expected users of the database,
a description of any forms used,
a description and rationale for the fields included in each record and the maximum expected sizes of each field,
a discussion of the maximum expected size of each record and the entire file after five years,
a discussion of how well your computer will be able to handle the database at full capacity,
the screen layout for entering data into the database,
a discussion about how you would handle unauthorized use of and access to the database,
comments regarding the usability of the software you've chosen, and
sample printouts appropriate to its use.

The PowerPoint presentation used in the video on databases will be posted on the Weekly Lesson site for 2/5-2/11/07. A website on database management systems will also be posted on the Weekly Lesson site during the same week. These two presentations and all of the information on this page should be used as a guide in preparing a short report on your website of not more than the equivalent of three word-processed pages.

Second, you must print NINE (9) records containing the first NINE annotations done for this class. You will enter the information for the annotations to be included in the database you designed. Then you will demonstrate at least two common uses of this data base and print out the results. You will either place hard copies of all printouts in my mailbox at GSLIS or send them by mail to GSLIS. The printouts should be received by me on or before 3/19/07. Please include any comments about the printing process in your report.

Due: Report is due 3/11/07. (Please DO NOT post your assignment prior to 3/11/07.) Printouts are due by 3/19/07.