The report describes and evaluates the use of a set of learning tools called database managers and their creation of databases to help teach problem solving skills in social studies. Details include the design, building, and use of databases in a social studies setting, along with advantages and disadvantages of using them. The three types of available packages are discussed with descriptions and comments for each: (1) general purpose database management programs include AppleWorks, Bank Street Beginner's Filer, Bank Street School Filer, Create-a-Base, Data Handler, Electric Desk, FileVision, Friendly Filer, Mastertype's Filer, MECC Dataquest: The Composer, MECC Stuff and Fetch, Notebook Filer, Rapid Recall, Scholastic PFS: File Series, Secret Filer, and Three to Get Ready; (2) data disks for database managers programs include Countries of the World, Friendly File: US & World Facts, NewsWorks, North America Database Disk, Regions Near and Far Data Files, Social Studies Fact Finder: States-Junior High, Social Studies Fact Finder: States-Senior High, United States Past to Present, US Government Data Bases for PFS: file, US History Data Bases for PFS, World Geography: Cultures & Economics, World Past to Present, World Today; and (3) dedicated databases programs include Atlas, Demo-Graphics: World Population & Projections, Hometown: A Local Area Study, Macro's World History Database, MECC Dataquest: The Fifty States, MECC Dataquest: The Presidents, MECC Dataquest: The Composer, One World Countries Database, Political Genie, Research, Today in History, USA Profile, and the US Constitution: Then and Now. The products are compared according to feature and capability areas: searching capabilities; fields; records; reporting; and sorting. Educators rated the products using the following criteria: accurate content; relevant categories; enough information; comprehensive print materials; easy to learn and use; accessible data; and flexible displays. Some general conclusions are given about the products, such as expense, flexibility and comparison of features and capabilities. An appendix with additional information about database managers, producer information, resources, and a seven-item bibliography is included. (TES)