Databases: fit for use or fit for us? Available to Purchase

Database users often find that not only do data retrieved contain errors but that the databases themselves do not live up to their expectations as far as coverage, structure or capabilities. The Centre for Information Quality Management (CIQM) has been set up to act as a clearing house for database users who discover faults. Over and above this, the centre is developing methodologies to offer users a degree of quality assurance. Database labels provide mini‐specifications with quantitative and qualitative information which allows users to see how far they can “trust” a database. They are also an implicit standard which information providers will maintain or improve. Accreditation could lend labels greater authority: a second suggestion from CIQM would entail panels of database users in answering regular surveys in order to provide comprehensive database reviews. CIQM is looking for user support for these ideas.