Database Management Overview

Ibidem databases consist of several files, all stored in the same folder. The filename and the location (the folder in which the files are saved) are specified by the user when the database is created. The program creates many files all with the same name, but with different extensions. The file with the extension .#00 is the datafile for the database. Large databases may have more than one datafile, in which case additional datafiles will have the extensions .#01, .#02, etc. In general, we recommend that you create a separate folder for each Ibidem database (use Windows Explorer to create the folder). The folder can have the same name as the filename that you choose for your database. With your Ibidem database in one folder, you can easily identify the database and copy it or move it.

Ibidem databases are ideal for storing information gathered from many different sources over long periods of time. If you are using Ibidem to build and manage your personal bibliographic database or to keep track of any important data, it is essential that you develop and implement a plan for regularly backing up your Ibidem database. You should always keep a backup copy of your Ibidem databases on at least one separate computer or other backup medium. For more information, see Ibidem backup.

When a database is created, Ibidem creates a record of where the files are stored so that the database can be opened (see New Database and Open Database). A list of databases that can be opened by Ibidem is found in the drop down list at the top right of the Ibidem screen. If the Ibidem database files are on your computer, but Ibidem does not know where they are (for example, if you copied a colleague's database to your computer or if you renamed or moved a folder containing your database files), you must add the database (i.e., tell Ibidem where to find the files). See Add Database.

Ibidem provides you with many options for creating and managing subsets and for copying the records from one database to another. See Subsets.

The Properties dialog on the File menu provides five tabs that can be used to edit or add fields to the database, to edit or create data entry templates, to select the index keys that appear on the Fast Search dialog, to edit or define search groups, and to edit, add or delete fields to be included in the Database Pane.