You might like to search the list archives for postings that describe the
difference between "databases" and "collections management systems." These
terms are not interchangeable and describe very different database
functions.

Also search for Robert Baron's page on understanding Collections Management
Systems.

IMHO, Yes, learn a widely used database, but unless you'd like to devote
your life to developing a CMS, stick with the basic functions and learn
_about_ data structure rather than creating something from scratch.

D. Gutenkauf
ex-registrar, ex-database administrator

On Tue, 6 Jun 2000 09:19:00 -0700, Taryn Rucinski <[log in to unmask]>
wrote:

>Dear List Members,
>    Over the past few months or so many of you have
>been giving people excellent advice on how to get
>started in the Museum Field. As such I was wondering
>what is the most prevalent software for managing
>collections and /or archives, and what would be the
>most valuable for an up and comming grad student to
>learn. ( I've heard Access tossed around alot but I
>was wondering if this program is universal?)
> Sincerely,
>   Taryn Rucinski
>

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