ABSTRACT
An agency's data can be stored on paper, in files, in filing cabinets, or electronically in batch and transaction processing systems. The advantage of the latter is that these systems can produce periodic reports more quickly and with fewer errors than using only a paper-based system. The chapter first deals with some database basics. Next it discusses with database management systems, the often-complex software programs that manage the data in databases. Further, it discusses the important role that database managers and data administrators play in public agencies, especially as they interface with end users and managers. Then it focuses on data warehousing and data mining and also addresses the privacy issues arising from public and private data-mining efforts. In a database environment, four basic types of data models are used to logically represent the structure of the database: the hierarchical model, the network model, the relational model, and the object model.
