(4) Situation regarding databases
A database can be defined as a collection of information which has been classified according to subject and organised into a rational form by computer, and that can be recalled as required. The databases dealt with in this paper can be accessed from outside by local residents, etc., and exclude databases which are only used internally within the organization concerned (e.g. personnel, finance, etc.).
1) Situation regarding construction of databases according to business Table 9 and Table 10 show the databases built by local governments, public corporations and the third sector, according to business.
Prefectural governments have 484 databases, in increase of 41 (9.3%) over the previous year. As for the major fields, there are 148 databases in the field of commerce, trade and labour, 104 in education, and 65 in agriculture, forestry and fishery.
The municipalities, on the other hand, have 345 databases, an increase of 35 (11.5%) over the previous year. As for the major fields, there are 165 in the field of education, 37 in health and medical care, and 34 in commerce, trade and labour in that order.
2) Situation regarding use of databases
The situation regarding the use of databases is shown as follows.
Of the 484 databases of prefectural governments, 178 (36.8%) can be used only inside government office buildings, 149 (30.8%) can be used not only in government office buildings but in other public facilities too, and 157 (32.4%) can also be used from general public terminals.
Of the 345 databases of municipalities, 168 (48.7%) can be used only inside government office buildings, 115 (33.3%) can be used not only in government office buildings but in other public facilities too, and 62 (18.0%) can also be used from general public terminals.
