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Resource Database: An Overview for Database Curators

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Database Curators in Information and Referral (I&R) programs create and maintain community databases that detail the information that helps bring people and services together. 

This interactive course is for new staff at Information & Referral (I&R) organizations who will be responsible for the maintenance of resource databases. The course provides an overview of the activities of a Database Curator and an insight into some of the challenges of their position. Although they sometimes have different titles in different agencies, there are two main categories of staff within I&R organizations: Community Resources Specialists who work directly with clients, and Database Curators who provide the information needed by the Community Resources Specialists and other community partners. 

Course Objectives

When you have successfully completed this course, you will be able to:

  • Identify the functions and purposes of an I&R resource database.
  • Demonstrate how the Inform USA Standards outline the processes and methods for ensuring database quality.
  • Describe the primary activities and skills of an I&R Database Curator.

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Let's Begin...
1 Question
1 Question Rate yourself on 1-5 on how strong your abilities are in these essential Database Curator skills.
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Part 1: Roles in I&R
Open to download resource.
Open to download resource. Organize information so that people can search for the services they want in a variety of ways according to the factors that are key to their needs, such as: organization and program name; location; the people/group(s) that they serve; and the languages in which they provide services.
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Part 2: Functions of an I&R Resource Database and Database Curators
Open to download resource.
Open to download resource. The resource database is a computerized body of information about community resources for a defined population within a specified geographic area that is curated and maintained by the I&R service. The size, scope and content of the resource database, and the number of staff needed to ensure its accuracy, will partially depend upon the goals of the I&R service and the finance resources available to meet those goals.
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Parts 1 and 2: Review Exercise
6 Questions  |  Unlimited attempts  |  6/6 points to pass
6 Questions  |  Unlimited attempts  |  6/6 points to pass
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Part 3: Structure of a Resource Database
Open to download resource.
Open to download resource. A database consists of “records.” Each record consists of “fields” (sometimes called “data elements”). Each field consists of specific pieces of information about the organization, its sites, and/or its services. There is generally one record for each organization (or service provider).
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Part 3: Review Exercise
5 Questions  |  Unlimited attempts  |  11/11 points to pass
5 Questions  |  Unlimited attempts  |  11/11 points to pass
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Part 4: Inform USA Standards on Resource Databases
Open to download resource.
Open to download resource. Note that this section is taken entirely from the Inform USA Standards version 9.0. These Standards were first published more than 35 years ago and are now in their 9th edition. The Inform USA Standards underpin and bind together every aspect of I&R. The Standards are the prime benchmark of quality I&R. There are 27 Standards, including 6 Standards on resource databases.
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Discussion
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
Make 1 discussion post to continue. Why are internal and external quality standards important?
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Final Course Exam
15 Questions  |  3 attempts  |  12/15 points to pass
15 Questions  |  3 attempts  |  12/15 points to pass
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Certificate of Completion
1.00 Hour(s) of Professional Development credit  |  Certificate available
1.00 Hour(s) of Professional Development credit  |  Certificate available
You must register to access.