Donald Satz <[log in to unmask]> suggested that a database might, one day,
be a good idea.

It is.  I know from insurance brokers that a database is recommended and
I keep one (one line per item) and every CD passes across my desk before
it goes anywhere in the house so that the list remains 100% accurate.
The listing is numerical by label.  Photographs are also said to help.

I also learned that when vandals/thieves encounter classical CDs they
generally try to damage them (as for them they have no perceived value),
so make sure, also, that your racks are screwed to the wall!

I classify in 5 sections: composer, mixed "concerts", vocal recitals,
complete operas and "the rest." The 2nd category is usually by a whim of
some kind.  Sometimes by title, sometimes conductor/artist.....  Every few
months it requires a considerable amount of shunting (but much easier than
it was with LPs!).

John G. Deacon