<p>A database is often thought of as a tool with which to store information in a systematic manner. Analogies have been drawn between a database and a telephone directory especially when introducing the concept of a database to a group of learners. Although the ability to meaningfully store and retrieve data is very valuable it is only really a small part of the potential function of a database in the learning environment. Ribbons and McKenna (1997) suggest that a database can acquire, organise, store, distribute, use, protect and archive data. As a learning tool it could be argued that it can go beyond this and in doing so can also be used as a method of integrating technology into the curriculum.</p>