Re: Using Word 97 Access to create a database comparing journal title availability (Gregory Szczyrbak) Stephen Clark 12 Apr 1999 12:25 UTC
---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Fri, 9 Apr 1999 16:18:12 -0400 From: Gregory Szczyrbak <gszczyrb@MARAUDER.MILLERSV.EDU> Subject: Re: Using Word 97 Access to create a database comparing journal title availability (Laurie Nalepa) > > I am the periodicals librarian for a university library. We are trying > to get a clear picture of what journal titles we have available to us in > all their various formats, and through their numerous access points > (i.e., our print subscriptions, OhioLINK databases, other databases, and > additional electronic access). We also want to compare the range of > years, whether or not they are full text or have a citation or abstract. > Right now I'm learning Office 97 Access in the hope that I can create a > database that will compare all the above variables. Does anyone out > there have any other suggestions?! > I would be happy to summarize findings for everyone. > Laurie Nalepa > Periodicals Librarian > John Carroll University Yes. We have done this at Millersville University, Ganser Library. It was worth it, however, it will take up a lot of your time. If your automated system has any kind of reports that you can use, stick with that if possible. Consider, that for every title change, addition, deletion or discontinuation, you will need to update your catalog and your homegrown database - double the work. Although, you can set up your Access database to help prevent mistakes like typos etc.., this again will take more time. PLAN, PLAN, PLAN. We created ours before I really understood databases. If I could do it all over again I would do a lot of things differently. Make sure you understand how all the components of your database relates to each other. Then using this information create your tables and relationships. Did I say PLAN? Even things like the names you give to your tables, reports, queries etc.. are important. There are various naming conventions. Pick one and stick with it. Include as much information as you need. Space shouldn't be a real problem. Price information is great to have, however consider that it will need to be updated annually at the least. I still use ours constantly to run reports for our collection development librarian, liaison librarians, and library director. Its been a great tool. But our database is full of errors. I've spent a lot of time fixing them, but there are still many. We've moved to a new automated system that allows for customized reports, so as soon as I figure out how to run those, I'll be dumping our homegrown serials database. But it has been very helpful, so go for it if you decide it is ultimately worth it. Good luck. You may e-mail me privately if you have further more specific questions. ******************************************************************************* Gregory Szczyrbak (717) 872-3645 DESK Millersville University (717) 872 3854 FAX Ganser Library - Periodicals gszczyrb@marauder.millersv.edu Millersville, PA 17551 *******************************************************************************