You could build this in Access. I have developed some similar programs with
it. The learning curve is higher but it will work. Another way to go is with
a contact management package such as ACT (my preference) or Outlook. These
applications are made for keeping track of people. They will remind you
about special notes you may have on the individuals, as well as if you try
and input a duplicate entry. You can also run reports on your patrons.

Michelle Bacharka
********************************
PR Blackbooks
Public relations for non-profits
Books & Workshops
www.prblackbooks.com
********************************


----- Original Message -----
From: "Scott D. Peters" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, March 01, 2002 7:10 PM
Subject: Datbases- patron tracking, etc.


> On the subject of database software, we are transitioning from Excel
> Spreadsheets to databases for our collections and indexing projects. (I
> don't know what made everyone here think that spreadsheets were
databases.)
> While I'm able to create basic databases in Access in which to input
> information, I don't have a clue how to extract it the way I want. I need
to
> create a patron tracking database and was wondering if anyone else has
> developed such a database in-house and if so, what software did you use?
Do
> you query directly in Access or did you design a separate interface to
> extract the information? I would like to be able to track patron
visitation
> and use of our collections. I also would like to be able to have the
program
> tell me when someone is already entered into the system and allow me to
add
> the new details to their existing "account" so to speak.
> Is this feasible or am I just dreaming.?
> As you can tell, I don't know much about databases. After all, I'm an
> historian because I was way too stupid in calculus and organic chemistry
to
> be an airplane designer. FORTRAN? I couldn't even draw pictures in BASIC
on
> a Macintosh in 1985.
> Yet somehow, I can build and maintain a halfway decent web-site. Go
figure.
> Any advice would be most appreciated.
>
> Sincerely.
>
> Scott D. Peters
> Research Director/Archivist
> Ocean County Historical Society
> 26 Hadley Ave., P.O. Box 2191
> Toms River, NJ 08754-2191
> (732) 341-1880
> [log in to unmask]
> [log in to unmask]
>
> "Telling the Stories of Ocean County"
>
> Historically Speaking
> ALHFAM -FPIPN vice-chair for trivia, errata and miscellany
> [log in to unmask]
>
> "The ordinary distinctions in society are often vague, and imply no just
> pre-eminence: rank and titles are
> adventitious things and instead of designating merit or virtue, are
> frequently the baubles of imbecility, or
> the sparkling decorations of meretricious pageantry"
>
> William Griffith, on behalf, and by order of the New-Jersey Society for
> promoting the gradual Abolition
> of Slavery, Twelfth Month (December) 20th, 1803
> ----- ).
>
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