Hi, Ashley:
Along with experiementing with Object templates, I would try the Function
Key Sets (Tools > Function Keys) -- we use them extensively (you can have
specific sets for different departments or data entry tasks) and have had
good results using them to remind typists of required standards in
particular fields. For example, even if a catalogue raisonne entry needs to
be customized, a function key can contain the template of what's required
and the preferred citation format and thereby prompt effectively and
consistently. (This works well along with your own guidelines for data entry
standards.)

As for the lack of search/replace fields, I'm using TMS 9.35 Ver 2 and find
more than 100 field options in the Objects Module alone. Not exactly "a
few"? But as previous comments indicated, custom SQL scripts are very useful
for batch modifications.

Good luck!

Jennifer W. Smith
J. Whitley Smith Consulting - Art Catalogues and Collection Management
715 Lake Street, Suite 500
Oak Park, IL 60301
(708) 445-9101 tel
(708) 445-0288 fax
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-----Original Message-----
From: The Museum System (TMS) Users [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of Ashley Burke
Sent: Friday, August 24, 2007 10:02 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Data Clean-up Questions

Hello All-
I am a fairly new user of TMS and have a few questions about capabilities.
Previous to work on TMS, I worked with the database KE EMu and I am trying
to locate some of the same tools that I found with that database.  Namely, I
am looking for a ditto function and a global search and replace function.

By ditto function, I am referring to the idea that you can set a record as a
template and simply ditto the information from the template into the current
record I am working on.  For example, I have a set of 2300 records that need
the culture changed and need the provenance added (in the ex-collection
related field).

By global search and replace (I found the information about search and
replace in the database maintenance, but this is very limited) I refer to
pulling up a set of records (maybe in an object package) and select a field
in all of those records that I want to change and read something else.  For
example, I have a set of records that I want to change their credit line.

If either of these capabilities are available, your guidance is greatly
appreciated.  I should also note that I am working in TMS version 9.20.2028,
which I believe is an older version.

Thanks,
Ashley


Ashley Burke
Assistant Registrar
Ringling Museum of Art
5401 Bay Shore Road
Sarasota, FL 34243
[log in to unmask]
941-359-5700 ext. 1504