Scott If you are already on the path to databases (from excel) then your decision should be in the same direction. That is to say if the database is to be in access stick with it and have the additional features you want built into it. You can build queries to drive your reports based on the data in the tables. If the database is in some other SQL form which you may be unfamiliar with you can use tools such as Crystal Reports to get all sorts of exciting information reasonably easy. You can use it also for Access and Excel. Keep in mind... The key to any database is the design, which MUST be based upon your needs and future plans. Tell those that are doing the work what you want to get out, not just want you want to put in. This will impact on how it is designed. Sean Ryan BBA PNA Business Systems Ph: 61 3 8341 7772 Fx: 61 3 8341 7299 www.museum.vic.gov.au -----Original Message----- From: PRBlackbooks [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: Monday, 4 March 2002 4:06 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Datbases- patron tracking, etc. You could build this in Access. I have developed some similar programs with it. The learning curve is higher but it will work. Another way to go is with a contact management package such as ACT (my preference) or Outlook. These applications are made for keeping track of people. They will remind you about special notes you may have on the individuals, as well as if you try and input a duplicate entry. You can also run reports on your patrons. Michelle Bacharka ******************************** PR Blackbooks Public relations for non-profits Books & Workshops www.prblackbooks.com ******************************** ----- Original Message ----- From: "Scott D. Peters" <[log in to unmask]> To: <[log in to unmask]> Sent: Friday, March 01, 2002 7:10 PM Subject: Datbases- patron tracking, etc. > On the subject of database software, we are transitioning from Excel > Spreadsheets to databases for our collections and indexing projects. (I > don't know what made everyone here think that spreadsheets were databases.) > While I'm able to create basic databases in Access in which to input > information, I don't have a clue how to extract it the way I want. I need to > create a patron tracking database and was wondering if anyone else has > developed such a database in-house and if so, what software did you use? Do > you query directly in Access or did you design a separate interface to > extract the information? I would like to be able to track patron visitation > and use of our collections. I also would like to be able to have the program > tell me when someone is already entered into the system and allow me to add > the new details to their existing "account" so to speak. > Is this feasible or am I just dreaming.? > As you can tell, I don't know much about databases. After all, I'm an > historian because I was way too stupid in calculus and organic chemistry to > be an airplane designer. FORTRAN? I couldn't even draw pictures in BASIC on > a Macintosh in 1985. > Yet somehow, I can build and maintain a halfway decent web-site. Go figure. > Any advice would be most appreciated. > > Sincerely. > > Scott D. Peters > Research Director/Archivist > Ocean County Historical Society > 26 Hadley Ave., P.O. Box 2191 > Toms River, NJ 08754-2191 > (732) 341-1880 > [log in to unmask] > [log in to unmask] > > "Telling the Stories of Ocean County" > > Historically Speaking > ALHFAM -FPIPN vice-chair for trivia, errata and miscellany > [log in to unmask] > > "The ordinary distinctions in society are often vague, and imply no just > pre-eminence: rank and titles are > adventitious things and instead of designating merit or virtue, are > frequently the baubles of imbecility, or > the sparkling decorations of meretricious pageantry" > > William Griffith, on behalf, and by order of the New-Jersey Society for > promoting the gradual Abolition > of Slavery, Twelfth Month (December) 20th, 1803 > ----- ). > > ========================================================= > Important Subscriber Information: > > The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . 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