Hi, Melinda.

By the sound of your message, it looks like you are not working with an integrated library system (automated  circulation., cataloging, etc.), all types of which do for you, automatically, the kinds of things you itemized below.

What I would suggest (having been a manager of small-medium special libraries in the past) is that, rather than seeking out something to buy, try being really creative with pre-existing desktop office software. Obviously, I don't know the size of your collection, and it might be a little too big for this, but I'm guessing it isn't, since you most likely don't have one.

The advantage of going this route is that all of your data would be in easily migratable form, just in case that glorious day comes when you get a huge budget and can buy a nice (i.e.: expensive) system. Going this route, your data would already pre-exist in an easily convertible form (things like Excel, Access, or other desktop database management system, come to mind).

I think you might have a problem if you decide to invest in some off-the-shelf program, in terms of compatibility issues in the future. You most likely already have what you need, sitting on your desktop, already paid for. You just need to get your creative juices flowing to format it to fit your own needs. Just about every system I've worked with understands Excel, Access, and related desktop formats, and many options exist on the Web to download (for free, no intellectual property issues at risk here) pre-formatted, machine language versions of bibliographic record content. Of course, you'd still have to play around with making it look right, but all the tools likely exist in the MS Office world.

Just an observation, maybe not even worth $.02, but it could be a far more affordable (and multifunctional) option for you.

**************************************************
David A. Jank, Ph.D. (Cand.)
Associate Professor and Librarian
Dowling College Library
Racanelli Learning Resources Center
150 Idle Hour Blvd.- Room RC 207-B
Oakdale, NY    11769
Phone:   (631) 244-3081
Fax:     (631) 244-3374
E-mail:  jankd@dowling.edu
www.dowling.edu

"There is no man who can grapple with the librarians of today."
---Lord Rosebery of Glasgow, 1877

"Just keep passing the open windows."
---John Irving
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>>> Melinda Shedlarz <mshedlarz@GMAIL.COM> 07/15/08 11:32 PM >>>
Hello,

I have a question regarding serial collections.  I manage a small library at
a local company and I am looking for a software program that would allow me
to keep track of our serial collection. What I am interested in is keeping
track of all the issues received, the dates we received them, the price we
paid for the subscription, when the subscription started and stopped, etc.
Is there any free or cheap programs that would serve this purpose.  I have
such a small budget I can't afford an expense program. If anyone has any
assistance they can offer about this type of issue I would be very indebted.

Regards,
Melinda J. Shedlarz