Distinguishing records of different families with the same name

[Tecwrds]

I am creating a membership database and I have several families with the same last name [some related some not]. How do I distinguish each family and members so I can run family member reports for the individual families?

[ItsMe]

Most databases have columns for Key fields. Key fields will have unique identifiers for entities. Most, if not all, of your tables should have at least one Primary Key column of unique identifiers. A common data type for Primary Key columns in Access is the AutoNumber type.

[Tecwrds]

Thank you for the reply. I understand about primary keys. I was wondering if I needed to use multiple tables such as family name and another with the member information and then use a relationship to distinguish each family.

[ItsMe]

I am unsure if you are asking about table design or how to create a query using existing tables. Ideally, you will have multiple tables. I imagine one table will have many records where each record defines an individual. Various attributes, such as a nuclear family, extended family, address, etc. would be defined by a Foreign Key column.

[Tecwrds]

Yes, that is what I am asking. I'm just not sure how to go about it.

[ItsMe]

Yes, that is what I am asking...

What is that?
When I first start creating a database, I use paper and pencil to create an Entity Relational Diagram (ERD). So, if you have some understanding about keys, create an ERD on paper.

Perhaps this 15 minute video provide a place to start when trying to define your entities.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fQ-bRllhXc

[Tecwrds]

Thank You that was most helpful.

[ItsMe]

Here are some additional resources for database design.
http://www.rogersaccesslibrary.com/f..._topic238.html