References can be stored in a computerised personal reference
system (Personal Bibliographic System). This involves the design
and construction of a small database system.
The database
A database is a structured integrated collection of data. The
information consists of a file of records containing a number of
fields. These allow the information to be structured in that
different fields can be used to store different types of data.
Each field consists of a number of characters. A database is thus
a file consisting of records constructed according to the same
pattern. Each post is given a specific number, and the file must
be given a distinct name so that it can be handled by the
computer.
Storing and retrieving information
Your personal bibliographic system should allow you to carry out
the following functions easily:
There are different types of software that can be used for
personal record systems on a personal computer:
Information Retrieval programs, File handlers and Database
management systems (DBMS).
It is important for the user to choose software that is suitable
for your needs. The choice naturally depends on what you are
prepared to pay. In some organisations software is available
through site-licences or on a mainframe or mini-computer. There
are a number of programs available that have been designed
specifically for handling bibliographic references. These are
known as Personal Bibliographic Software (PBS). These programs
can, ideally be used to: import references from an online or CD-ROM
search manually input records export references in a desired
format, according to the style required by a journal search and
retrieve your own collection of references.
Examples of PBSs are:
The following WEB site contain information on personal bibliographic software:
1. The ability to search on text strings of variable length.
2. The possibility of using boolean operators.
3. The possibility for truncation.
4. The number of search criteria that can be used in a single statement.
5. Sorting capabilities.
The advantage of using a tailor-made program for building up your own personal file of references is that it is easy to locate items as needed. In addition, the reference printouts can be designed to match the style of various journals, such as Science and Nature, so that you save a lot of re-typing when you yourselves begin to publish! As the PBS programs become more powerful, they are being integrated with text-processing programs, thereby providing extremely useful research and writing tools.