With all of the available database programs on the market, each with short-comings and positive points, someone needs to develop a feasable means to transfer (and translate) the different database files from one format to another. Would any of you other nerds like to try this? Jim McCrain Chief Curator Old City Park Dallas, Texas 214 421-5141 [log in to unmask] My apologies to you, Jim, and any other computer experts on this or any other list. I am in awe of your skills. Jim's last comment is what I was hoping to get at. I realize that there are many software packages out there and that what works for one may not for another museum but somewhere, somehow if we are all to make use of the electronic mode there has to be more than nomunclature standardization. For public access, we need a short, general style that could be managed by volunteers and available at public kiosks and web pages. Large museum may be able to have the services of a programer and trainers but small-medium museums usually can't. With grant and foundation monies harder than ever to win, we can't depend on those sources either to join the electronic waves. Thanks Jim and others who replied, Carole