I think you had a question about databases? I am not in the museum
business. (Been lurking on the list just cause I find you guys
interesting) I am a web developer.  I recommend Access. I have used this
program with HUGE amounts of data and have always been happy with how it
responds. You have to understand that my job requires that the program
be opened online so the response time has to be fast. Also if you ever
want to put the collection online - a web developer can take that
database and pull the images online very easily - if this is an interest
then it will save time and money later.  If you choose a different
database then when you want to go online - it will have to be converted.
This is time (and hence money) intensive.

Just my two cents worth.  Like I said I am not in the museum business.

-----Original Message-----
From: Alvey, Scott [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Monday, July 26, 1999 7:59 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Hello & Help


Fenton,

        We recently began using EMBARK as our database for our
collection.
We are using an Apple G3, but I believe it is available for PC users.
Our
collection has never been computerized so this has been a fairly large
undertaking.  We do not house a lot of documents, photographs, or
genealogical information.  I have not used the software that much, but I
would be glad to put you in contact with our staff.  From what I have
been
told, it is more for use in art collections, but it can be modified.  We
have a Collection Access Station in one of our exhibit halls that
visitors
can use to search for items in the collection.  It includes pictures and
data of the artifacts.  (This does not actually connect them to the
computer
that houses the database.  We transfer the information to the Access
Station.)


*********************
Scott Alvey
Exhibits Manager
Louisville Science Center
727 West Main Street
Louisville, KY  40202
[log in to unmask]
www.lsclouienet.org
ooooooooooooooooooooo

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Fenton jeffery [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: Friday, July 23, 1999 9:08 PM
> To:   [log in to unmask]
> Subject:      Hello & Help
>
> Hello Everyone:
>
> I am on the Board of Directors of a small Community Museum in rural,
> Prince
> Edward Island.  We have a good collection of artifacts and photographs
> depicting the history of our community, as well as an extensive
genealogy
> section.
>
> Now to the help part :-))  We are attempting to computerize the
catalogue
> of our collections, and are trying to identify a suitable software
product
> to accomplish this.  Can anyone on the group suggest a suitable
"Museum
> Database" product (i.e. name of program, where it is available, etc.)
for
> this purpose.  We would like to be able to cross-reference our records
and
> do useful searching.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.  THANKS
> !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
>
>
> Fenton Jeffery
> P.O. Box 306
> Alberton, PE  C0B 1B0
> [log in to unmask]
>
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