Hi -
 
I create these types of systems on a routine basis.  Since a few people seem to be interested in building this type of system - i'll explain what is involved.   
 
If you want to have a web based search tool that queries a database - you need to put a few things in place.
 
1) web host - one that offers a database and a supports a glue language like ASP or PHP. (I use goDaddy - they offer a 1 year hosting package for less that $50 that offers a database and supports asp and php).
2) transfer data.  I dont' have a lot of experience with filemaker pro - but if you have your data in a Excel table you can easily convert it to a mySQL database that resides on a web server. 
3) web based form.  A developer can write a form in ASP or PHP that will allow an administrator to add/delete and update records in your database.  If you want your database to be searchable than you also need to have your developer write a search tool.
 
Setting up something like this will allow you to maintain your database via the web.  The public will instantly see your changes.
 
I hope this helps.
 
Julie Griffey
 
----- Original Message -----
From: [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Kaia Landon
To: [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">[log in to unmask]
Sent: Saturday, January 12, 2008 9:07 AM
Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] Content Management Systems

Please respond to the list!  We are currently thinking of doing something similar, and I haven't been able to find any good information. 
Thanks,
Kaia

Kaia Landon
Curator of Education
Mesa Historical Museum

On Jan 11, 2008 8:51 PM, Gail Kana Anderson <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
Does anyone have any experience using a content management system to
run their website that would directly link to a database of collection
information.  I would be interested in comments and of course the good
and the bad.

Thank you for your help and any ideas.

Gail

Gail Kana Anderson
Assistant Director/Curator of Collections
Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art
The University of Oklahoma
555 Elm Avenue
Norman, OK  73019-3003
t. 405.325.1664; f. 405.325.7696
[log in to unmask]

=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).


========================================================= Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).

========================================================= Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).