Many smaller libraries over the last 25 years or so have adopted database management systems that have been simple to understand, but "non-standard." Sometimes these are excel spreadsheets, some are original programming, but most do not produce the type of records that have any standardization.
The most compatible records are MARC, pioneered by the Library of Congress in the late 1960's. Google MARC and you can read all about the standard.
In any case my little company has pioneered a system (Lexwin) that is free for individuals and available for a licensing fee to institutions, corporations, businesses and the like. Its still cheap.
However it has a capability that makes it invaluable, the ability to import, export, and globally edit records quickly. If you have a database of resource items (books, websites, model train sets, records, etc.) that you want to handle like a library does get in touch. Recently we have been contacted by someone who wants MARC records made from their CHILD'S database.
We want to here from you and estimate a conversion to Lexwin or any one of a host of competitive products.
If you want to know more, check out our Lex Systems company at http://www.lex.sk.ca/ or email Jim Bruce at jimwbruce@gmail.com .
