>Suzanne Quigley recommends going with a "smaller off the shelf" version.
> Any specific recommendations on software that works?

 AlphaFive by Alpha Software, 617 229-2924 - tho' you might want to wait
for Version 2 for Windows 95 - Version 1 is so-so.  $50 for basic version.
 I currently use an older version (AlphaFour v4) with 13,000+ plus
records.  Works pretty well, except for printing reports - it is pretty
bad at that.
Another possibility is FileMaker Pro for either MacIntosh or Windows -
very easy to learn, use, and teach to volunteers.
I've also had Approach recommended to me as easier than Access and better
than AlphaFive.  No personal experience.
Will Garrison
Historic Deerfield, Inc.