Dear Raymond Dausman:
 
The best software package that I have seen for inventory and cataloging of
historical artifacts is an application called "Rediscovery". This was
developed specifically for personal computers and local area network
environments. The program consists of a series of interrelated databases for
managing artifact collections, research library/archives and archaeological
records. It features detailed accessions information, exhibits,
loan-in/loan-out management, condition reports, shipping records,
conservation history, automation of reference library and research materials,
artifact nomenclature and lexicon for classification, scanned images and
color pictures of artifacts and sites. I believe the estimated cost for the
entire licensed application is around $2,000.00. However, if you want only
one module, say that which pertains to cataloging & inventory, it is
substantially less (about $900.00). The software is licensed to individuals
and customized databases can be developed with your input to Advanced
Computer Consulting Services (ACCS). For me, the price is unaffordable so I
use Microsoft Works which is a less sophistocated, but workable application
for cataloging and inventory of artifacts and artifact analysis. For more
information and a demonstration disk on "Rediscovery", contact David L.
Edwards, President, ACCS Museum Software, One Morton Dr., Terrace 103,
Charlottesville, VA  22903. Dave's number is 804-977-7591 or fax:
804-977-5014.
 
Pat Tucker
Firelands Archaeological Research Center
Milan, Ohio
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