Retrieval of bibliographic information from literature searches is now moving from the use of comprehensive centralized databases into specialized PC-mounted databases. To be effective, a personal database must take account of the structure of the literature it contains, as well as provide easy access for record entry and searching. The author describes how to design and compile a database for bibliographic engineering records. Emphasis is given to keyword selection, data record form design, and report format. Database versatility is demonstrated by an analysis of railway engineering literature, which examines the structure, sources, and locations of pertinent bibliographic material.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">&gt;</ETX>