Sample Standard Database Features

Searching Our Databases

Text Searches: All databases have full-text indexes, which return fast and accurate search results for terms entered by users. Boolean operators can be used. By default, search result documents are ranked according to relevancy. Search terms are highlighted within each search-result document.

Example: Results of a search of our Resource Database using the search term "respite".

Multi-variable Searches: The multi-variable search feature provides users with a form containing searchable fields and their corresponding keyword lists. The multi-variable search form may also provide a field where the user can type in a search term that will help refine search results.

Example: Multi-variable search form of our Physicians Registry Database.

Browsing: The Browse feature categorizes information within the database and presents it in a organized manner to the end user.

Example: Browse feature of our Resource Database.
Displaying Search Results: Our databases display a summary view of search results. This summary contains the information users have informed us is the most pertinent to them. In the example below, the user is presented with the name, the location and the telephone number of the consultants listed in our database. Typically, this information is all the user needs. However, should users choose to see details, they can click the consultant's name, right in the summary view, to open the full record.
- Example: Sample of search results from our Consultant Registry Database.
On-line Help: Such features provide users with answers to frequently asked questions, and/or generally explain how to use standard features.
- Example: On-line help documents for our Consultant Registry Database.

Accessibility: Compliance with the accessibility requirements of Section 508 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act ensures all our Web sites and databases are readable by individuals using screen reader software (e.g., JAWS and Window Eyes).
- More information about our accessibility efforts.

Web Enablement: As may be apparent from the descriptions above, all our database features can be Web-based, meaning that a database client like Lotus Notes or Microsoft Access need not be used. We Web enable all our database features including, but not limited to, data entry, editing, querying, and categorized view summaries.
Database Security:

Standard
- User Types
  - Depositors can create and save records, but can not read them or any other records.
  - Readers can read but not create records.
  - Authors can create records, but can modify only the ones they created. They can read all records.
  - Editors can create records and can modify all records. They can read all records.
  - Designers can do all of the above, and modify the database design.
  - Managers can do all of the above, and administer the database (manage access control list, etc.).
- Access Levels: User access can be defined within database elements. For example, users can be restricted from certain fields, forms or reports.
- Roles: Users can be grouped with defined privileges.
- Note: All databases hosted by INDEX are protected by firewall, anti-virus, etc.
Optional
- Anonymous Access: Rather than requiring a registered user of a type listed above, a database can allow anonymous user access. This is useful for allowing the general public to view a database via the Web.
- Hide When: Database elements can be hidden from users under specified conditions.
- IDs: Databases can restrict access to only those users who possess an ID file with an associated password.
- Encryption: Access to a database can be restricted to a software client that communicates with the database via an encrypted connection.
- VPN: Authentication via a virtual private network can be required before database authentication is allowed.