[NHCOLL-L:2599] RE: HELP!! mainstreaming cultural history and natural history databases

[Herbel, Carrie L.]

Michele, 

At the Museum of Geology we are using a customized version of Re:Discovery for our vertebrate fossil collections.  Later  we will be doing this for our IP, Paleobotany, Osteology, and Mineral collections.  It virtually matches the format originally designed for the National Park Service, but this software is formally called ANCS+ rather than Re:Discovery.  We did this since the major portion of our collections are NPS specimens.  It also has a short learning curve with high security levels that we require in order to protect site location and other sensitive data.  In addition, we have received EXCELLENT and rapid assistance from Re:Discovery for any problem (big or small).  

Initially, we used Access.  What a pain and so easy to screw up certain fields with novice data input people (students).  Then we worked on using an Oracle based program at one time, but found that the learning curve was extremely steep and we would have to have a dedicated data input staff member...something we could not afford.  Then we looked into Specify - again, a steep learning curve with major difficulty downloading our NPS data into the program.

We have recently found out the Bureau of Reclamation also uses a customized version of Re:Discovery (quite similar to NPS).  BOR is another partner in which we care for fossils collected during projects funded by them.  What makes this a good program for us is the amount of data we download into the system monthly, many put together via Excel with the same fields.  We can also download Access (more difficult though), too, into this collections software.

So all in all, with our Partners using Re:Discovery, the easy learning curve, and great assistance from the program developers, we are EXTREMELY happy about this program.  Soon we will be loading images into each file to aid in researchers studying the specimens from afar and to get it on a web-site once our server bugs are worked out.

If you want a list of our fields, please let me know.  We have them listed in a Word document to assist students with data entry into Excel prior to downloading into Re:Discovery.  Contact me directly for this information.

Thanks. 

Carrie 
************************************************************ 
Carrie L. Herbel 
Collections Manager/Instructor 
Museum of Geology 
South Dakota School of Mines & Technology 
501 East Saint Joseph Street 
Rapid City, SD  57701 
Office:  605-394-2487 
Fax:  605-394-6131 
E-mail:  Carrie.Herbel at sdsmt.edu 
Web Site:  http://speedy.sdsmt.edu/~cherbel 
************************************************************ 



-----Original Message----- 
From: owner-nhcoll-l at lists.yale.edu 
[mailto:owner-nhcoll-l at lists.yale.edu]On Behalf Of Greenan, Michele 
Sent: Tuesday, March 15, 2005 9:59 AM 
To: 'NHCOLL-L at LISTS.YALE.EDU' 
Subject: [NHCOLL-L:2580] HELP!! mainstreaming cultural history and 
natural history databases 


We have recently converted all of our individual databases into one oracle - 
based system called Multi-Mimsy.  This means that all of our data, from 
ichthyology to glass bottles, is a part of one large system that is 
accessible to everyone in our museum.  Naturally, formatting field names 
that suite everyone has been difficult. 

It would be very helpful to have an idea of what types of database divisions 
are being used.  Specifically, what are the field names used in a Natural 
History database VS. those used in a Culture History database VS those used 
in an Archaeology database. 

Furthermore, it would be absolutely wonderful to talk with someone who has 
been asked to combine and mainstream Natural History and Cultural history 
databases.  

Thank you, 

                Michele 


Michele Greenan 
Natural History and Archaeology Collections Manager 
Indiana State Museum 
650 West Washington St. 
Indianapolis, IN 46204 
(317) 233 - 8971 
mgreenan at dnr.state.in.us 

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