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Re: arsclist Cataloging Software
Gentlemen,
I've been using an older version of cataloging software for over six
years that was originally called "Smart Tracker Videos 97" written in
Dbase. It has the ability for the user to reconfigure the fields to
different designations as well as character lengths, so, even though it
was originally written for video store collections, I was able to easily
modify it to a very general database for a film, video and sound archive
at Family Theater Productions in Hollywood. It still works well for me
to catalog a new personal library of audio tape masters that I'm in the
process of remastering to CD. However, the original authors of the
above software have gone on to expand their variety of tools, and I may
upgrade to a newer version, although, right now, it works so I really
don't have to fix it.
Anyway, for those who are interested, try this Web site:
http://www.wintools.com/utilities.htm
From what I see there, /*SmartTracker Inventory*/ is the latest
permutation of my version with the configurable field names and lengths.
I might mention that the search functions are very straight forward and
easy to use. Also, you can download a trial version to check it out. I
found that the programmers there (Insight Software Solutions) were
always helpful, and they might even write new software if there is a
specific need that they haven't addressed (a pun, I guess).
Rod Stephens
Family Theater Productions
P.S. I guess we all miss the good old days of two floppy drives and a
KayPro with a printer to easily do everything in CP/M ASCII. Much
simpler and efficient.
Graham Newton wrote:
Doug Williams wrote:
As a private collector I am in the process of researching programs to use
to catalog my collection.
As am I.
What programs are available to use for private collectors?
I have been using an old DOS program published by Ashton-Tate, a sub-set of
dBase, called Rapid File. It is deadly simple, flexible and readable by most
current database programs since it follows the dBase formatting. Although
it still works satisfactorily for most of my purposes, I would like to
upgrade it to something newer with all the windows features that aren't
available to a DOS program. The program "FileMaker" seems to be a
possibility, but the learning curve is steep, and even though it has many
nice features in it, you almost have to be a programmer to make the best
use of it.
I've gone the shareware route and found SOME that might fit the bill.
I haven't seen anything that was flexible, simple, and intuitive... like
Rapid File is. My ultimate test is "can I use this right off the bat without
having to read the manual or go through a heavy learning process (excepting
using on-line help as needed)", all presuming it has the features that I need.
For a few years, I have been ruminating on and off as to what was needed to
catalog the approximately 1/4 million records my producer partner has, and
so far after many long conversations on the subject, we are still at a loss
of just how to attack the problem, and not sure of exactly what features we
need to incorporate at the outset.
The "keep it simple" maxim is still at the top of the list.
That is, something that is simple to raise in the first place, preferably
using summer student key entry labor, easy to add to (attached label photos
perhaps) or alter the fields used, and a format that can be merged with
other available data collections if need be. There should be no
proprietary formats that restrict it's use, and this alone rules out some
programs that are repeatedly offered on eBay.
Comments are welcome.
... Graham Newton
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