Check table column for particular value

[my_filthy_mind]

Another newbie question:

How can I check a table column to see if a particular value exists in that column (in any row)?

For example, I want to check my employees table to see if "Joe" exists in any row of the name column.

If it doesn't exist, I want to add a new row for "Joe".
If it does exist, I want to display a message saying it exists.

I just can't seem to figure out the easiest way to code the if statement. Thanks.

[cgraz]

$query = mysql_query("SELECT * FROM your_table WHERE name='Joe'") or die(mysql_error());

if(mysql_num_rows($query) == 0) {
   $query = mysql_query("INSERT INTO your_table (name) VALUES('Joe')") or die(mysql_error());
   echo "Record Added. Did not previously exist";
} else {
   echo "Record Exists";
}

Cgraz

[my_filthy_mind]

Thanks for the help.