From the very beginning this project was designed to exist as a database on a computer which could be appended and manipulated with ease. Physically, this database consists of a number of computer tapes which can be loaded, at will, on virtually any personal computer for research purposes. One of the many benefits to a machine-readable format is the degree to which the data collected can be made available to anyone interested in any aspect of Williamsburg imprints. The level of detail in the database is sufficiently high and the structure flexible enough to allow questions to be posed and meaningfully answered long after data has been compiled. A variety of platforms can be devised to present the information to even the most novice user.

Additionally, as the number of known imprints will always remain variable - new pieces are constantly being discovered - the file will let any interested individual print out, on demand, the most accurate and up-to-date list of known imprints possible.