NLN - Nigerbiblios

Nigerbiblios
Volume 30, No. 1 Jan. - Jun. 2021

Pages 1 - 9

Application of Database Management System (DBMS) to Library Functions in the National Library of Nigeria

Grace Eruotor

Abstract

This study discusses database and database management system and its utilization in National Library of Nigeria using Microsoft Access as software for designing the general purpose database. It states how the database can be used to manipulate library functions such as cataloguing and classification, acquisition and issuance of standard number etc. Microsoft Access components, which are table, form, report, query and relationship as well as some basic terms such as entity, attributes, keys etc were explained in the paper. Benefits of using database management system such as single database, balancing conflicting requirement, share data, improve integrity etc as well as constraints of using database like larger file size, increase in complexity, power supply, and technical knowhow were discussed. Recommendations were made that the National Library of Nigeria should adopt the simple general purpose database to increase production, avoid redundancy, for easy access, for data security, consistency and for information tracking etc. Conclusion was drawn that, the use of this general purpose database will increase input especially in area of cataloguing and classification and that acquisition librarians will avoid repeating acquisitions. The International Program Department will be able to have track of standard numbers issued out and also help the legal deposit department to have the records of publishers and authors who made deposits to the National Library of Nigeria at a particular year.

Keyword(s)

Database, Database Management System, national library of nigeria, microsoft access, library functions

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