You may want to follow the suggestion of using Claris Filemaker.   At the
moment we are using PARADOX by Borland.  We started off in DOS, then
switched to Windows.  Paradox is inexpensive, a "relational" database,
and probably easy for you to use.   But you have to make up all the
fields, and adjust them to your needs.  You won't be able to see "all of
the info."  You'll have to scroll up and sideways.  But it's within your
budget.  An inexpensive way to start with an off the shelf program out
there is SNAP! by Willoughby.  It'll run about $1,000 or so.  Be aware
that there is a lot of maintenance to be done, no matter what program you
decide to use.  We always found Paradox a good value.  At this time, we
are writing a grant in order to have a real "collections management
software program."  We are looking into a higher level program Willoughby
offers called Mimsy.

At the Autry museum where I used to work, Microsoft Word was set up with
templates for filling in Deed of Gift information, and later printing it
all out.  But we had no catalog system.  They eventually purchased Argus,
put out by Questor systems; big bucks outlay.   In any event, check into
Paradox for the cataloging and location storage of items.

O

Olivia S. Anastasiadis
Curator
Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace