collection of electronically stored descriptive records or content units (including facts, full texts, pictures, and sound) with a common user interface and software for the etrieval and manipulation of the data

NOTE 1 to entry: The units or records are usually collected with a particular intent and are related to a defined topic. A database can be issued on CD-ROM, diskette, or other direct-access method, or as a computer file accessed through dial-up methods or through the Internet.

NOTE 2 to entry: Licensed databases are counted separately even if access to several licensed database products is effected through the same interface.

NOTE 3 to entry: A common interface providing access to a packet of serials or digital documents, usually offered by a publisher or vendor, is also to be counted as database. Additionally, the single serials or digital documents are counted as serials or digital documents.