Introduction to Databases

Today, virtually all the information you interact with is stored in a relational database. Knowing how these databases are put together will assist you in getting at the various treasure-troves of data already available, and it can open up new avenues of inquiry and methods of organization using data you have collected yourself. Using Open Office Base, which is available free-of-charge, this workshop will focus on the practical use of relational database software for conducting primary source research, covering the theory, methodology, and practical applications of relational databases. The two meetings will include informal discussions, as well as in-person training on database management software using actual primary source materials to create a relational database from the ground up. The workshop series will be geared toward beginners to database software, including the basics of relational databases; how to plan and organize a relational database; how to work with forms and import your data; and how to query your data.

Familiarity with spreadsheets (i.e. Excel) will assist you in the workshop, but it is not a requirement. People of all computing backgrounds are welcome.

To get the most out of this workshhop, participants should plan to attend both days.

For further knowledge, it is recommended to take the Databases and SQL and Metadata workshops.