I agree with Ms. Laitman's approach on computerization of the catalog.
However, I would have only one suggestion.  Instead of having a handwritten
catalog sheet, I would suggest entering the information straight into the
computer, editing the information on the screen and then printing out the
catalogue sheet, along with the  catalogue cards.
The following advantages are:
        a) Eliminates one step and therefore speeds up the process.
        b) Makes the cataloging process a bit more interesting for the
           cataloger.
        c) Since entering a lot of information from sheets of paper is
           incredibly boring, this minimizes error.
It helps if you have several computers.  However, you can pick up a 286 or
an IBM AT for a song, so this is not a problem.  You edit the information on
the spare computers and transfer the data via floppy to the main computer to
add to the main database.
===========================================
From:    "Laitman, Elizabeth X." <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re[2]: computerization of catalog

>>>I have worked for a collection as a registrarial assistant where they
utilized
>>>a three step system that seemed solve many of the problems outlined here on
>>>the list.
>>>1. log book- each object that entered the collection was logged into an
>>>accession book that also allowed the object to be given it's AC# that would
>>>stick with that object of eternity.  This could be that historic document, so
>>>many people seem so crazy about.

>>>2. Catalogue sheet- with all information that would enter the computer system
>>>outlined, and easily adapted to the database entry.

>>>3. Data entry into database from Catalogue sheet- which in turn was printed
>>>out for a catalogue card that was placed in the collection's card catalogue
>>>where there are cards from the formation of the collection to present day.
>>>There are large collections that were entered right into the computer, but in
>>>all cases, a hard-copy was printed out on a regular basis to check for error,
>>>as well as to have a hard copy that were accessible in notebook form, for
>>>those days when the computer system is acting funny.

>>>my 2 and 1/2 cents