We use a catalogue system that was written for the Virginia Department of
Historic Resources.  The program runs through dBase IV.  It will still
function in dBase V, but some of the screens are  more difficult to read and
use.  The basic program has proven adequate for most of our needs.  Although
with a little background in working with dBase, the database can easily be
modified slightly to include more specific information.
The database includes descriptors for both Historic and Prehistoric
artifacts.
The artifact typology itself is constantly being expanded, as more
descriptors and more specific descriptors are needed.  Of course, if you do
not need to remain completely compatible with other agencies and
archaeologists, you can easily whatever new descriptors you wish.
The main drawbacks to this program are the relatively random way that the
descriptors are assigned numbers, and the extremely limitted space allowed
for some of the entryfields.  The entryfield for provenience is limitted to
seven characters in the original program.  However, if there is no need for
retaining compatibility, these inadequacies can easily be fixed by changing a
few settings, and rearranging some of the descriptors.
If you are interested in trying out this database, drop me a line.
 
Michael F. Barber
Preservation Technologies, Inc.