Online Community
Resource Database: Structure and Style
-
You must log in to register
- Non-Member - $20
- Individual Member - $10
- Silver Member - $10
- Gold Member - $10
- Platinum Member - $10
- Inform Canada Individual - $10
- Inform Canada Organization - $10
- Commercial Associate - $10
Already registered?
Log in now.
Being able to convey information that is clear, concise, consistent, and relevant is one of the most critical skills required by Database Curators who are responsible for the maintenance of human services databases in accordance with the Inform USA Standards and Quality Indicators for Professional Information and Referral (I&R). This interactive course covers the structure of I&R database records and the data elements within that structure. It outlines the style considerations for many of those elements, while focusing on 2 of the most important yet challenging tasks confronted by a Database Curator: naming organizations and writing good service descriptions.
Key:
Complete
Next
Failed
Available
Locked
Let's Begin
2 Questions
2 Questions
Using a range of abbreviations and punctuations, how many ways can the address “1100 North Martin Luther King Junior Street, Suite 200” be written?
Part 1: What the Inform USA Standards Say
Open to download resource.
Open to download resource.
The resource database contains data elements that provide information about organizations that meet criteria for inclusion, the services provided by each organization, and the locations where those services are available.
Part 2: Structure of a Resource Database
Open to download resource.
Open to download resource.
Information in a database is structured into organizational records (one record for each service provider) with separate fields for separate pieces of information about the organization, its sites, and its services.
Part 2: Review Exercise
10 Questions | Unlimited attempts | 10/10 points to pass
10 Questions | Unlimited attempts | 10/10 points to pass
Part 3: Advantages of Consistent I&R Style
Open to download resource.
Open to download resource.
A style guide is a set of standards for the writing, formatting and design of documents. The standards can be applied either for general use, or be required usage for an individual publication, a particular organization, or a specific field.
Part 3: Review Exercise
6 Questions | Unlimited attempts | 6/6 points to pass
6 Questions | Unlimited attempts | 6/6 points to pass
Part 4: Style Guidelines for Key Data Elements
Open to download resource.
Open to download resource.
There is often no inherently “right” way to style a certain piece of information. There is, however, a right way to apply good decisions, once made, as consistently as possible.
Part 4: Review Exercise
8 Questions | Unlimited attempts | 8/8 points to pass
8 Questions | Unlimited attempts | 8/8 points to pass
Part 5: Writing Service Descriptions
Open to download resource.
Open to download resource.
The service description is the place to provide contextual information (for example, on secondary and ancillary services).
Discussion
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
How would you write a service description for the example below? Remember there is no absolute right or wrong way to tackle this task, but strive to be clear, concise, consistent, and relevant.
Our Boys & Girls Club provides safe and enriching environments to approximately 3,500 Metro-area kids. Seventy-three percent of club participants live at or below the poverty level in low-income communities, often in federally - subsidized housing with a single parent or grandparent as head of household. By providing after-school and weekend programs, our Boys & Girls Clubs are making a difference in the lives of these youths. Club members can get help on their homework, learn about computers, attend field trips and special events, or just hang-out with their friends in a drug-free safe environment.
Final Course Exam
14 Questions | Unlimited attempts | 11/14 points to pass
14 Questions | Unlimited attempts | 11/14 points to pass