In message , Allen Vegotsky <[log in to unmask]> writes
>Dear List,
>
>    I am about to start a cataloging project and would welcome a little
>advice.
The Canadian Heritage Information Network have an online learning
programme on selecting a collections management database (there is a
difference between cataloguing and collections management, so you may
need to take this into account). It guides you through the process of
deciding what you want to achieve, and evaluating programmes against
your needs.

Another good place to find information is the mda (used to be the
Museums Documentation Association, but they aren't just for museums, not
just about documentation, and are not an association). The website is
either www.mda.org or www.mda.org.uk - the other one is the muscular
dystrophy association.  They have pages on such things as marking
objects, and who uses what (in the UK, at least).

Other advice: ask your colleagues round about what they use, what their
support is like. If you don't have a network of colleagues round about,
seriously consider starting a group for your geographic area.

Don't do anything complicated by yourself (or at least, without first
doing the risk analysis).

With best wishes,

Pat
(Surrey Museums Development Officer)
--
Pat Reynolds
[log in to unmask]
   "It might look a bit messy now, but just you come back in 500 years time"
   (T. Pratchett)