What is the difference between databases and e-resources?
Answer
Database
A database is a large, regularly updated file of digitized information (bibliographic records, abstracts, full-text documents, directory entries, images, statistics, etc.) related to a specific subject or field, consisting of records of uniform format organized for ease and speed of search and retrieval and managed with the aid of database management system (DBMS) software. It is considered an e-resource.
Examples:
E-resources
On the other hand, e-resource (aka electronic resource) is any material consisting of data and/or computer program(s) encoded for reading and manipulation by a computer, by the use of a peripheral device directly connected to the computer, such as a CD-ROM drive, or remotely via a network, such as the Internet. The category includes software applications, electronic texts, bibliographic databases, institutional repositories, Web sites, e-books, collections of e-journals, etc. Electronic resources not publicly available free of charge usually require licensing and authentication (ODLIS, 2014).
Examples:
- A-Z Databases & Tools (list of databases)
- The Economist (electronic magazine)
- EndNote Online (software application)
- Encyclopedia of Women & Islamic Cultures (electronic encyclopedia)
- Google Scholar (OA database)
Reference:
Reitz, J. M. (2014). ODLIS: Online dictionary of library and Information Science. https://products.abc-clio.com/ODLIS/odlis_about