[LM_NET] Target :Definition of Database

[Connie Marr <librarylands@ALLTEL.NET>]

I need to know if I am outdated on the view of what constitutes a Database.  In a 
glossary of online terms from Online Retrieval A Dialogue of Theory and Practice I 
found the definition as, "A collection of related records in machine-readable form. 
 Databases may be of various types-bibliographic, numeric, directory, or full-text. 
 It is the computer version of a file."  In my mind I always viewed databases as 
things such as EBSCO Host or other such services.  

Last week I had a student questioning why about.com was not considered a database.  
After applying the above definition I am questioning myself.  He was saying that a 
family member recently graduated from college and for classes it was considered a 
database and not a web site.  We are using MLA so basically the citation comes out 
the same with either way.  This just got me thinking that maybe I was missing 
something.  Would that make Wikipedia a database?  

Is something like about.com a database?  If you asked me on Thursday I would have 
said no but am I wrong?  Has what constitutes a database changed?  Did I have the 
wrong impression from the start?  How do you define it for students so that they 
can see the difference?  Thank you for any help you can provide so I am being 
accurate with students.  

Connie Marr
Librarian
Ford City High School
Ford City, Pennsylvania
librarylands@alltel.net

--------------------------------------------------------------------
Please note: All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law.
  You can prevent most e-mail filters from deleting LM_NET postings
  by adding LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU to your e-mail address book.
To change your LM_NET status, e-mail to: listserv@listserv.syr.edu
In the message write EITHER: 1) SIGNOFF LM_NET  2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL
 3) SET LM_NET MAIL  4) SET LM_NET DIGEST  * Allow for confirmation.
 * LM_NET Help & Information: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/
 * LM_NET Archive: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/archive/
 * EL-Announce with LM_NET Select: http://lm-net.info/
 * LM_NET Supporters: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ven.html
 * LM_NET Wiki: http://lmnet.wikispaces.com/
--------------------------------------------------------------------