On Wed, 7 Aug 1996, Blair R. Martin wrote:

> If all you need is to build a list of things in a single table -- such
> as a list of acquisitions -- for simple recordkeeping, then all you need
> is a so-called "flat-file" database. If it's not too big, (say, less
> than 1000 items), you can build such a list using a spreadsheet program.

The typical collections format for a database requires at least three
related files (if you are dealing with any large number of records and do
not want to enter the same information over and over and over).

1) Accession file - bunches of stuff acquired in the same way from the
same source at the same time.

2) Source file - where did the stuff come from - complete contact info.

3) Catalogue file - detailed record about each individual object.

It really makes no sense to type to donor's name, address, etc. into each
catalogue record when you can type it just once into a separate source
file and access that information through linking.

Susan Wageman
Grants Manager                    [log in to unmask]
The Tech Museum of Innovation     (408) 279-7178
145 West San Carlos Street        fax (408) 279-7149
San Jose, CA  95113  USA          http://www.thetech.org