We have found that for a mid-size museum that FileMaker Pro is a very versatile database to use. It crosses platforms. It is compatible with all hypercard interactive multimedia software. You can attach imagery to your files, and it is very easy for volunteers to learn and navigate within. We currently have a 160,000 image database in Filemaker Pro and we are in the process of putting up another image collection of the same magnitude. Because of its success, we have moved our entire collections, donor files and friends files over into FileMaler Pro. To link our imagery, video and sound files together with explanatory text we utilize PictureThis 1.0. This interactive multimedia software is based on hypercard and was developed by Cal State Univ., Long Beach. It is shareware and just released in version 1.0. You can get it through the annonymous ftp address; ftp.nmc.csulb.edu/pub/picturethis/ PictureThis is an excellent tool for research and greater access to collections. Each database is built from a stack of cards. Cards can be linked to other databases or WWW pages. All cards can be automatically converted to html files for inclusion on a Web server. Each card can hold up to 16 still images, and over 70 video clips and sound files. Still images can be viewed in thumbnail, 1/4 screen and full screen. Fact fields, notes and additional information also accompany each card and each image and video. There is also a slide show function which allows you to develop a custom set of images from any card within a stack. If you are researching there in a notebook function so that you can keep your own notes in a separate file. Plus you can build custom indices. PictureThis also has authoring modules that are separate allowing museums to use PictureThis on display without concern of unsolicited editing. Two manuals; one for touring and another for authoring are also available through the ftp address. The manuals are written on DocMaker a self launching software. The LA Maritime Museum has built a stack for each major category in our collections: Documents, Containers, Gear, Imagery, Floating Vessels, Weapons, Instruments, Food Stuffs, Utensils, Sunken Vessels, Architectural Holding, Personal Belongings, and Decorative Arts. This pretty much covers our entire holdings. We have also used the program to display specific projects; "Around Cape Horn" and "Beyond the Gate: Maritime Highways of the California Gold Rush." This program is now used widely in Australia among the maritime museums and historic vessels register. We hope to see many of you using this great program. We are using it with wonderful results. Good luck Sheli O. Smith Curator Los Angeles Maritime Museum Berth 84 San Pedro, CA 90731 _______________________________________________________________________________ Los Angeles Maritime Museum [log in to unmask] NETCOM, the West Coast's Leading Internet Service Provider. (408) 554-8649