Speaking very generally, I have a strong preference for databases over
spreadsheets. A relational database management program is harder to set up
initially, but much easier to maintain or modify later. It should be easier
to create a report you hadn't anticipated at the time you set things up.

Until we made the recent switch to Innovative, all serials department
reports were constructed from a database, first Advanced Revelation then
Microsoft Access. There is no report I have been asked for I have not been
able to run, except when the data do not support the request. This would
not be true for a spreadsheet.  Access permits you to create data input
forms with data verification. This is very nice for the people who have to
key in the data. I have imported Ebsco invoice diskettes in a variety of
formats. The relational structure of the tables removes data redundancy, a
source of extra input time and errors. I have used the database for
predicting serials inflation and for producing lists of titles for vendors
interested in responding to our upcoming bid.

L. Hunter KEVIL, Ph.D.             mulkevil@showme.missouri.edu
"I'm a manager, so I don't do actual work" (Dilbert)
Head, Serials Department           573-884-8760 (voice)
Ellis Library                      573-884-5243 (facsimile)
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, Missouri 65201