1. A method of storing an information object in a database system, comprising the steps of: establishing an information object class that has a collection attribute; creating said information object as an instance of said information object class; establishing in said database system a collection storage structure for said collection attribute; storing attribute information about said information object in a first table; storing values of said collection attribute in said collection storage structure; and wherein said attribute information that is stored in said first table includes a reference that indicates where said values of said collection attribute for said information object are stored in said collection storage structure.