In <1992Nov16.140549.517@gnosys.svle.ma.us> I wrote:
> ...I would like to invite anyone who is interested in helping with
> this project to drop me a note. I would be glad to add your name and address
> to the nn.database mailing list, which will be used for project planning and
> implementation...
Hello again.
I neglected to indicate what's involved in helping with this project. The
main thing we need, I think, is people who would be willing to contribute
information to the database, and who might want to take part in an ongoing
discussion about what should be in it and how it should be organized. We
have already talked about some of these things, and have worked out the
draft of the main "relation" (that's database-speak for the basic unit of
information containing the actual "records" - in this case each record has
information about one book - in other relations in other databases, the
records might describe videos, organizations, programs of one sort or
another, etc.).
Just to give everyone an idea of the kind of thing we're talking about,
following is a sample record from the "pub" (publications) relation of
the bibliographic database. The database will also contain a relation to
give information about the "coders" (people who input information into
the database) and the "sources" (which might be the electronic or non-
electronic card catalogues of university libraries). I also hope to
make it possible to attach one or more reviews of books and other mater-
ials to records within the publications relation. (BTW, "relations" are
also sometimes known as "tables.") I suppose we could also have a rela-
tion to give information about authors or publishers, but those things
can always be added later, if there's enough utility and enough collect-
ive energy in our group - they're certainly not required.
If anyone can think of something important that's missing from the basic
list of categories (referred to as "rows" in the database) listed from
the sample record below, or sees a problem in the way things are being
coded, please let me know ASAP. And again, if you'd like to be on the
"nn.database" mailing list to participate in this ongoing discussion,
which will resume soon, please drop me a note. (Beware - sending a
response to this message will result in a followup posting to the whole
list. It's OK if you do want to post a followup, but just be aware that
your mail system will use the list address if you send a reply to this
message itself. Use "gst@gnosys.svle.ma.us" to send to me personally.
Thanks.
Gary
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Sample record from publication relation of NativeNet bibliographic database:
title Native American Heritage: A Visitors Guide
subtitle First Contact with Occidental Civilization
author_lastname Ronda
author_firstname James P
publisher Washington, D.C. : The Division
pub_year 1991
description 1 map : col. ; 49 x 71cm.
lc 3700 25.5 7747 (not really an LC number?)
isbn
issn
pages
ptype b (indicates "book")
language EN
cost
in_print y (is publication still in print?)
source ku-ocat (University of Kansas - "OCAT" list)
coder gst
entry_date 92-11-16
modify_date
notes Identifies the locations of selected native American
sites with tribal centers, archaeological sites, or
museums with native American exhibits. Map insets
identify geographic areas of Far West, Great Plains,
Desert West, and Eastern Woodlands.
--
Gary S. Trujillo gst@gnosys.svle.ma.us
Somerville, Massachusetts {wjh12,bu.edu,spdcc,ima,cdp}!gnosys!gst