Subsets

A subset is a defined group of records in an Ibidem database. Once a subset is created, it can be viewed, sorted and searched as if it were a separate database. Subsets can be automatically updating, so that any record that is added after the subset is created will automatically be added to the subset if it meets the search criteria that were used when the subset was created. You can have many levels of subsets (subsets of subsets of subsets, etc.) but only the first level can be automatically updating. Subsets are used to create bibliographies and subject bibliographies. Similarly, subsets in non-bibliographic databases are used to generate various reports.

Keywords are particularly useful in generating subsets. For example, if you are studying the history and politics of Guyana, you could enter "Guyana" in the keyword field of every record that relates to this field of study. Then you can generate an automatically updating subset that includes all of the records with this keyword. Any record with "Guyana" in the keyword field would automatically be added to the subset. This subset would then be used to generate your bibliography. See Keywords.

Creating a subset does nothing to change the underlying records. If you delete a subset, you do not delete the underlying records. The same record may be included in numerous subsets.

The Subset Pane is used to create and manage subsets. Open this pane by clicking View, Subset Pane or by pressing Alt+U. If you are using Ibidem in Slide-Out Mode, you can open the Subset Pane by clicking the Subsets tab on the left side of the screen.

View Subsets: The Entire Database and any defined subsets will be listed in the center box. Click on a subset to display the records in that subset. Press Ctrl+E to return to the entire database.

Create Subsets: To create a new subset, you must first choose the records to be included and then open the Subset Pane and click the Save/New button. For full instructions, see New Subset.

Manage Subsets: To delete or rename a subset, click the Manage button. See Subset Management.

•	Complex Boolean searches involving several variables can often be simplified by doing one search, creating a subset and then searching the subset for another variable.

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Once you have created a subset, there is no way to go back and see the search criteria that you used to create it. If this information is important to you, give the subset a name that will help you remember how it was created. For example, the subset referred to above might be called "Keyword Guyana," meaning that you had generated the subset by searching for Guyana in the keyword field.

•	A subset of a subset can be created, but it cannot be automatically updating. To create a subset of a subset, follow the instructions above, but instead of searching the whole database, search just the subset (click on one of the subsets listed in the left side of the Select dialog).

Ibidem: Subsets