Adatabase is an organized collection of structured information, or data, typically stored electronically in a computer system. A database is usually controlled by a database management system (DBMS). Together, the data and the DBMS, along with the applications that are associated with them, are referred to as a database system, often shortened to just database.
Data within the most common types of databases in operation today is typically modeled in rows and columns in a series of tables to make processing and data querying efficient. The data can then be easily accessed, managed, modified, updated, controlled, and organized. Most databases use structured query language (SQL) for writing and querying data.
SQL is a programming language used by nearly all relational databases to query, manipulate, and define data, and to provide access control. SQL was first developed at IBM in the 1970s with Oracle as a major contributor, which led to implementation of the SQL ANSI standard, SQL has spurred many extensions from companies such as IBM, Oracle, and Microsoft. Although SQL is still widely used today, new programming languages are beginning to appear.
Databases have evolved dramatically since their inception in the early 1960s. Navigational databases such as the hierarchical database (which relied on a tree-like model and allowed only a one-to-many relationship), and the network database (a more flexible model that allowed multiple relationships), were the original systems used to store and manipulate data. Although simple, these early systems were inflexible. In the 1980s, relational databases became popular, followed by object-oriented databases in the 1990s. More recently, NoSQL databases came about as a response to the growth of the internet and the need for faster speed and processing of unstructured data. Today, cloud databases and self-driving databases are breaking new ground when it comes to how data is collected, stored, managed, and utilized.
These are only a few of the several dozen types of databases in use today. Other, less common databases are tailored to very specific scientific, financial, or other functions. In addition to the different database types, changes in technology development approaches and dramatic advances such as the cloud and automation are propelling databases in entirely new directions. Some of the latest databases include
Database software makes data management simpler by enabling users to store data in a structured form and then access it. It typically has a graphical interface to help create and manage the data and, in some cases, users can construct their own databases by using database software.
A database typically requires a comprehensive database software program known as a database management system (DBMS). A DBMS serves as an interface between the database and its end users or programs, allowing users to retrieve, update, and manage how the information is organized and optimized. A DBMS also facilitates oversight and control of databases, enabling a variety of administrative operations such as performance monitoring, tuning, and backup and recovery.
The self-driving database is poised to provide a significant boost to these capabilities. Because self-driving databases automate expensive, time-consuming manual processes, they free up business users to become more proactive with their data. By having direct control over the ability to create and use databases, users gain control and autonomy while still maintaining important security standards.
Self-driving databases use cloud-based technology and machine learning to automate many of the routine tasks required to manage databases, such as tuning, security, backups, updates, and other routine management tasks. With these tedious tasks automated, database administrators are freed up to do more strategic work. The self-driving, self-securing, and self-repairing capabilities of self-driving databases are poised to revolutionize how companies manage and secure their data, enabling performance advantages, lower costs, and improved security.
Gale helps libraries connect to researchers who are in search of credible, timely content. With many an online school database, Gale offers faculty, researchers, students, and adult learners open access to scholarly, peer-reviewed content they would not otherwise have access to. From full-text journal articles and newspapers to archives and eBooks, there is a resource to meet every need.
Explore and include student favorites like the Gale In Context offerings, discover newly designed databases like Gale Presents: Peterson's Career Prep, or find out more about database packages like the Gale Research Complete.
Research databases are key offerings for every college or university library. Whether completing a dissertation or working on a freshman-level humanities project, students will benefit from the depth and breadth of scholarly, full-text content within our databases as well as ease of access and search functionality.
Connect students to the information they're looking for with tools that make discovery fast and easy. This premier periodical resource, provides millions of articles from over 17,000 scholarly journals and other authoritative sources.
Reinforce critical-thinking and problem-solving skills for learners. Gale In Context delivers full-text newspapers and periodicals like The Economist, The New York Times, National Geographic, Newsweek, Popular Science, Smithsonian, and more.
These highly visual databases provide tools that allow users to zoom, rotate, and explore models. Clicking through each session reveals reference content that users can search across or use to discover additional supporting materials within the school database.
Support budding entrepreneurs and business students with Gale Business: Plan Builder. This intuitive resource is a step-by-step online planning tool designed for people who want to learn how to start, manage, and optimize a business or nonprofit.
Library databases give students and adults a direct path to learning. Our wide range of public library databases supports every phase of life. From workforce development and entrepreneurship to kindergarten preparedness, learning never has to stop.
Prepare young learners for kindergarten and beyond with online and offline curriculum based on educational standards. As fun as it is challenging, lessons and activities cover key disciplines like language and literacy, art, music, math, science, and social studies as well as social and emotional learning (SEL) tools, which will be available soon.
Education databases give K-12 teachers the opportunity to expand learning in exciting new ways. Our school databases are visually appealing, highly intuitive, and a trustworthy resource where students can find vetted, age-appropriate content. By helping students develop the right research skills early on, educators are preparing elementary and middle school students for success in high school, college, and beyond.
Give young learners a safe place to practice research skills with this easy-to-use digital resource featuring age-appropriate, full-text, curriculum-related content covering a broad range of educational topics.
Provide educators with a better way to approach online lesson planning. This powerful resource saves time, enhances instruction, and helps teachers provide students equitable and personalized learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom.
Have you walked into a library and wished you could check out more books than you could possibly carry? Check out a Kindle Paperwhite at participating libraries with a collection of titles that you are sure to enjoy. Each Kindle has been loaded with expert-selected books.
When you check out a laptop from this kiosk, you agree to use it within the library only. If you remove the laptop from the library, you may held criminally responsible for theft of the laptop and/or be charged the full replacement cost of the laptop.
With your LA County Library card, you can download or stream eBooks, eAudiobooks, magazines, music, and movies on your computer, tablet, or phone. It's free and you'll never have to worry about overdue fines!
You'll need a library card in good standing and a PIN to access most downloadable & streaming content.
The Consumer Health Information Program assists the public with medical research by providing information from reliable sources. Customers are invited to use the Norwalk Library collection which consists of books, magazines, videos, and online databases related to health topics. We also provide individualized research services.
With the support of grants and corporate/community funding, the Library has established 48 Homework Centers. These Centers provide enhanced resources, computer technology, and homework helpers to support the educational needs of students in these communities.
A Family Place Library is a center for early childhood information, parent education, emergent literacy, socialization, and family support. Family Place builds on the knowledge that good health, early learning, parent involvement, and supportive communities play a critical role in young children's growth and development. Each Family Place Library features the following core elements:
The Californiana Collection consists of over 24,000 books and over 200 magazine and newspaper titles in paper and on microfilm as well as a collection of state documents including state and county budgets. The goal of this collection is to present a complete picture of the history, culture, environment and artistic expression of the people of California and to some extent, the western United States.
A Pratt library card grants you access to databases for all ages! Search articles and documents in journals, newspapers, and online archives. Some databases require a library card, which is available to anybody who lives in Maryland. Most databases are also available online from home, though some are only available in a Pratt Library. Please note that some browser privacy tools and ad blockers can interfere with authentication. Contact a librarian if you need assistance accessing the databases.
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