I have used EXCEL extensively but after being "forced" to use ACCESS for
a project, I found Access to be much better for gleaning information.  I
was fortunate to be able to have the support of our data management
section, particularly during the planning stages.

First, make a list of kinds of information you want to be able to
retrieve from your catalog ie Where is it?  How many did I collect?
Where were they collected?  How many do I have that are abnormal?  How
many do I have that are in good or better condition?

Next, figure out what information you think you'd need to answer those
questions.

Now, find an expert to find out what you really need and how to set it
up so that you get the results you want.

ACCESS for Dummies is helpful.

A database is not easy to modify so the preliminary work is very
important.  That work is well worth it, though.

Good luck.
-----Original Message-----
From: Conchologists List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of
Jordan Star
Sent: Sunday, August 13, 2006 7:23 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: database help

Greetings
 I decided to use Microsoft Access to catalog my shell collection.  I
guess it can sort and print by number, Genus, etc,  Has anyone used
Access?  Any tips, tricks, or suggestions.  Jordan

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