Lookup Values

A Lookup list displays values looked-up from a related table. For example in a school database you may have a Subject Table and an Instructor Table.

Subject Table

Sub code	Subject	Duration
11	Physics	125
12	Maths	150
13	English	120
:	:	:
:	:	:

While making entries in the Instructor Table, the Lookup list allows you to select valid subjects that are derived from the subject field of the Subject Table.

Note: A value list looks the same as a Lookup list, but consists of a fixed set of values you type in when you create it. It is used only for values that will not change very often and don’t need to be stored in a table. For example, a greeting/salutation field containing Mr., Mrs., or Ms. is an ideal value list. If you choose a value from a value list it will store that value in the record; however no association is created with the related table.

How To Create A Field That Looks Up Data From Another Table In Design View

1. In the Data Type column, select the Lookup Wizard.

2. Click the option ‘I want the Lookup column to look up the values in a table or query.’

3. Click Next.
4. Specify the table or query where from you want to Lookup values.

5. Select the fields from where you want to include values in the Lookup field.

6. The fields appear in the selected fields’ column.

7. Sort the records in ascending/descending order.

8. Decide the width of the column. If you want to retain the default width, click Next.

9. Type the desired name for your Lookup column.

10. Save the table in response to the alert.

You can also create a Value List in Design View.

1. Select the Lookup Wizard and click the option ‘I will type in the values that I want;

2. Type the values in the Value List.

3. Type in the label name and click Finish.

Activity: Create a Lookup value from the field properties pane.