Records and Fields
Records: the building blocks of databases, records describe information sources
Fields: the building blocks of records, sections of a record where information is stored
In databases, print and online information sources such as books, articles, maps, etc. have descriptions called records. Let’s use the database, the UF Libraries’ Catalog, as an example. Every one of the more than 4 million books that the libraries own has a record describing it. Each DVD, map, government report and other documents also have their own individual records. A record is what describes an item, so that you can search for it in the catalog.
A record for a book includes information such as the author, the title, the publisher, date, pages, etc. Author names, titles, journal names and other information are stored in separate searchable areas of the record called fields. What would an edition of Shakespeare’s play Macbeth look like in a database? Here is an example:
Database: UF Libraries’ Catalog
Record for Macbeth:
Author: Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616.
Title: Macbeth
Edition: New ed.
Published: New York, NY: Penguin books, c2000.
Description: xlvi, 98 p. : ill. ; 20 cm.
Series: (The Pelican Shakespeare)
Notes: Includes bibliographical references.
ISBN: 0140714782
Subjects: Macbeth, King of Scotland, 11th cent. -- Drama. English drama (Tragedy) Scotland -- Kings and rulers -- Drama.
Location: Library West -- PR2823.A2 O73 2000 [Regular Loan]
Here is another record for an online copy of Macbeth:
Author: Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616.
Title: The tragedy of Macbeth [electronic resource]. Written by Mr. W. Shakespeare.
Published: Corke : printed by Eugene Swiney, 1761.
Description: 69,[3]p.
Alternate title: Macbeth
Notes: With three final advertisement pages. Reproduction of original from the Bodleian Library (Oxford).Links:
Location: Online -- See Link to Connect
Full text online: http://galenet.galegroup.com/servlet/ECCO?c=1&stp=
Author&ste=11&af=BN&ae=N023317&tiPG=1&dd=0&dc
=flc&docNum=CW116614302&vrsn=1.0&srchtp=a&d4
=0.33&n=10&SU=0LRK&locID=gain40375
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