A database table reorganization is defined to permit online access of the table during the reorganization. Records are reorganized in the database table by vacating records from a defined number of pages and then filling the pages with records in accordance with a desired ordering for the records. Temporary pointers to the new locations of moved records are used to prevent table scanner access to the database table from missing or duplicating records while scanning the database table during reorganization. Removal of the temporary pointers is synchronized with the completion of scanning of all table scanners that are commenced during a time when records are being moved as part of a vacating or filling step.