I developed an in-house coll. mgmt. database using Lotus Approach.  It has
worked quite well, and has the ability to add digital images, although I
haven't used it yet.  It's a very user-friendly program, and easy to
develop, even if you have NO database experience.  And best of all, it's
not that expensive.  I found that after I had started using it for
collections, I also started using it for other things, e.g. mailing lists,
information requests, etc.

Incidentally, I'm now in the process of switching to Microsoft Access, for
the simple reason that Access is what is supported by the IT people here
(and I can get my database backed up regularly on the server).  Oh well.
I'd still recommend Approach.

Alex Avdichuk
City of Toronto
Arts, Culture and Heritage
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I am trying to get some information on varying types of coll. mgmt.
software.  We have a collection of artworks, mostly on paper.  The total
number of objects is in the low thousands.  We'd like something that is
Windows based, with the ability to add digital pictures.  I have
absolutely no experience in this area, but I thought I'd help my
curator  find a few resources.
We are looking for a program that makes data entry as simple as
possible, and one that uses real English when it comes to searching,
etc.  We will only be using the program for collections management, not
for other database needs, therefore a generic database program like
Rbase or Access is not what we are looking for.