The Internet and other digital sources of information are widely used tools for research and other information needs. There are a various types of electronic sources that are highly used for these purposes, and one of them is Electronic Database that is a popular source of information in the libraries.

A database is nothing more than an organized collection of information stored in the computer. In simple words, a database is a collection of data arranged in a systematic way to make the search ease and fast. Retrieval from this information store is basically accomplished through a matching process. The process of matching customer’s query against information in databases is the essence of computerized information retrieval.

Why search for information through these Electronic Databases?

Electronic Databases are the major sources of information. Increasingly, information is being published only in electronic formats. There is coverage in virtually all areas of knowledge: science, engineering, mathematics, medicine, agriculture, psychology, sociology, philosophy, law, business, economics, education and more. A single database may refer to a variety of sources, including periodical articles, books, government documents, industry reports, papers at meetings, newspaper items, films, video recordings etc.

With a terminal with Internet connection you can be seconds away from receiving valuable information on any imaginable topic. These rich and voluminous databases are stored in by the information companies or agencies known as retrieval services. Once you are connected to them, much of the world’s knowledge literally will be at your fingertips.

As an information source a database may be shared by thousands of users simultaneously, and it is available whenever the retrieval service is in operation. There is no limit to the number of times a database can be searched or the number of times an item can be displayed. Unlike a library book, databases do not deteriorate physically, nor can they be misplaced, stolen, or vandalized.