FMF - Friends of Minerals Forum, discussion and message board

[Paul S]

I have been thinking about how I could manage my collections in the best way and I was wondering what your input would be. The problem is that I want to properly manage my collections, with numbering, database (with extensive information) and proper labeling. These are the collections, which are closely related:

Elements
Minerals
Crystals
Chemicals
Many other things related to science.

The problem is that elements in their mineral form can go in the collection of minerals, elements and if they are crystalline, also in crystals. These kinds of overlap happen all the time, so I was wondering what would be the best way to manage it all.

Grouping all the items in one large database is one option, but will result in a large database with many empty fields, because chemicals have no locality, minerals have no production process and a microscope has no chemical coposition.

Spreading them over multiple databases is more logical, but how should one decide what should go where?

I guess I’m not the only person who has had to figure this one out, so all help is welcome!

[Gail]

Since they are your collections, I would think that however YOU wanted to organize them is what they end up as. If you have no plans for their future, it really isn't an issue unless you just feel the need to group them. If you plan to leave them to someone, or to an institution, then you should certainly number and catalog them with descriptions and all information. And perhaps then you might note which pieces are to go where, or to whom. This can be done with your catalog system.



I get what you are saying, but perhaps don't see the need to worry about "grouping" them as there are many overlaps.

[arturo shaw]

Hi

I see three main groups there: Minerals, including elements, minerals and crystals; Chemicals, including elements no minerals and man made crystals and Science Stuff.

Just another option but as Gail said... it is YOUR collection.

Cheers

Arturo

[Paul S]

Thank you for your input Gail and Arturo. I agree that because it is my collection, I should decide on how to manage them all.

I'm planning on expanding all of these collections, and there are already some quite unique items in them. So properly cataloguing these items is very important, to ensure that future owners know what they hold in their hands. So I’m not trying to build a collection of pieces which can be shown for their beauty only, but more of a collection across a broad range of scientific areas. I forgot to mention that I also have a small collection of fossils. Like most people here, I am somewhat obsessed with collecting ;-)

The option Arturo gave is good way to minimize the amount of databases to use, and I think that a clear distinction between natural and synthetic materials and devices is quite logical.

Is there anyone who has applied this option to their own collections, or am I the only one with these management problems?

[Doug]

Paul,

While I only collect minerals, I do have several different size categories. I built a database using Microsoft Access an there is a field for size. This contains predefined entries so I can select the correct one. You could do something similar if you only wanted one database. There are many options available in Access or other similar programs to develop what would be suitable for you. I am not a programmer, I just use the built in tools to build something I am happy with.

Doug