Micro‐based relational database for a special library

A library is called a special library if it collects material on specific subjects or has special material or has special readers. The micro computer‐based dBASE II package is a viable tool to store, select, retrieve and manipulate numerical and alphabetical data. This capability can be rigourously exploited by a librarian to replace catalogues, indexes or any other records that are important from a management point of view. At the Centre of Studies in Resources Engineering (CSRE) of IIT, Bombay, India, a microcomputer‐based database has been developed to carry out the following functions for the library. 1) Storage and management of bibliographic data. 2) Selection and conditional retrieval of data. 3) Preparation of reports. This paper describes the concept, structure development, usage, advantages and limitations of the system. As the library is a service‐orientated organisation, then a computer will be a very effective tool in the hands of a librarian to perform library functions satisfactorily.