SQL might permit one to set up a database, but it has to be developed
from the bottom up (set up fields ahead of time, etc etc.)  SQL is not
new, most "ready made" databases are built on this or similar
"relational" structure.  I do not think that a library that is looking
to set up a new database of whatever should spend time and efforts on
"re-inventions".  Databases are always more complex that meets the eye.
Just gathering and inputing the data justifies the costs of the
commercial database.

Dalia Kleinmuntz
Webster Library
Evanston Hospital
2650 Ridge Ave.
Evanston IL 60201
[log in to unmask]            (847) 570-2665        FAX: (847) 570-2926

"The secret of caring for the patient is caring for the patient"
                                                       - Sir William Osler


On Wed, 4 Feb 1998, Marie-Lise Shams wrote:

> I am sending this message to the list in case others are also interested.
>
> SQL is the acronym for Structured Query Language.  It is a computer
> language used in relational databases (ex. Oracle).  These databases make
> it easier to manipulate data, create tables, and since they are
> relational, updating data is much easier.
>
>
> Marie-Lise
>
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
> Marie-Lise Shams
> Librarian, Flint Public Library
> 1026 E. Kearsley, Flint, MI 48502
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
> email: [log in to unmask] (work)
> email: [log in to unmask] (private)
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> fax: 810-767-6740
> http://www.geocities.com/~mlshams/acronym/acr.htm
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>