Stored in a database are a general-purpose table which contains, on a field-by-field basis, element data corresponding to the fields, an item-mane definition table which stipulates, filed by field an item name for being made to correspond with a database search-item name, and a page definition table storing display-item data for designating the name of an item to be displayed on a display unit. A search item capable of being displayed on a search page is changed by changing the name of the search item in the item-name definition table. The order in which search items are displayed on the search page is changed by changing the order of arrangement of the page definition table. Thus, items which are displayed on the search page of a database are changed.