The Database series is composed of material compiled by George Norby documenting topics related to Brookings, South Dakota. The material includes information on local businesses, historic homes, churches, city and county government, and South Dakota State University.

As noted by George Norby, the information contained in these compiled databases was gathered from multiple sources and reflects the most accurate data available to him at the time of compilation. Sources used include the Brookings County Press, the Brookings Register, the Brookings County Sentinel, Brookings telephone and business directories, Brookings city publications, Brookings County election returns, Brookings County Commission minutes, and records from the Brookings County Register of Deeds office.

Although the compiled data is extensive, researchers are encouraged to verify information using more than one source when conducting research.

The Subject Files series of the Norby Collection consists of topical files compiled and maintained by George and Evelyn Norby documenting the history and development of Brookings, South Dakota, and Brookings County, with limited material relating to South Dakota and communities outside Brookings County. The series includes clippings, publications, reports, ephemera, maps, directories, and related reference material organized by subject. City focused files document municipal government and administration, elections and officials, utilities, public services, ordinances and city code revisions, planning and development, historic preservation activities, parks and recreation, transportation including the airport and railroads, public institutions such as the library, schools, and hospital, and community events and commemorations including centennial materials and local responses to the September 11 attacks. County focused files include commissioner proceedings, courthouse and jail records, officials, census and atlas materials, early residents, fairs and festivals, towns and townships, veterans materials, weather, welfare, and local newspapers and newspaper history.

The files also contain substantial documentation on local organizations and clubs, including fraternal, civic, genealogical, and women’s groups, and extensive church files for Brookings and surrounding communities. Business files include materials on banks, local and regional companies, advertising, retail and service businesses, and community commerce, along with files on the Brookings commercial and residential historic districts, National Register applications, walking tours, and documentation of specific blocks and buildings. Education files include area schools and district materials, reorganization documentation, newsletters, and school related ephemera. South Dakota State University files include campus buildings and inventories, institutional events and traditions, alumni, athletics, museums, tours, and campus landmarks. Additional topical files cover named individuals, military service and wars, state government and elections, maps and travel materials, and cemetery, burial, and obituary reference resources including burial registers, cemetery locations, and plot maps. Researchers are advised to consult both the Brookings City and Brookings County files, as related material may be found in either grouping.

The Subject Files provide a locally compiled documentation set supporting research on civic administration, community development, historic preservation, education, religious life, commerce, and social organizations in Brookings and Brookings County. The combination of municipal and county materials, together with organizational, church, business, cemetery, and South Dakota State University documentation, offers contextual sources for local history and genealogical research and helps trace changes in the built environment and community institutions over time.