Zpest was intended as a simple program that was more advanced than an Excel spreadsheet but since it is free… was never intended to be the answer to all issues! Zak software also offers a much more comprehensive program available by subscription service that you can learn more about at www.collectionpests.com
Building a good Access database can be done, but it is time consuming. AMNH developed a database and a presentation on its development and implementation was given at the 2003 SPNHC annual meeting and a pdf including screen shots and other useful information is available on the MuseumPests.net site http://museumpests.net/monitoring-record-keeping-and-reporting/ Eventually we did find that the database becomes less stable when you get thousands of records input. This seemed to be a known Access issue rather than one specific to the particular database design. The IPM-WG looked into trying to develop one of the databases created by its members for broader use but the realities of the time and finances involved in taking a product like that forward were not realistic. For KE EMu collection database users there is a pest module developed by the Natural History Museum London and other institutions based on the collaborative work done by the IPM-WG Data Collection subgroup. For institutions interested in developing their own databases the MuseumPests site has a page on suggested data fields. Here is the website blurb on the downloadable document… The goal of the Database Field List document created by members of the IPM-WG is to identify those fields that are most important for tracking pest observation data in a new pest database. The fields have been divided into four categories: mandatory, suggested, optional and not recommended. It must be remembered that every institution has different needs and goals, so as you design your database, your task will be to select the fields that fit your institution’s needs. There may also be fields not found on this list that you will want to include, but please remember that by keeping your database simple, you will increase its usability. The document is available on the Record Keeping and Reporting page in the Monitoring section of www.museumpests.net (same link as above). I hope that if you do develop your own database you will consider doing a write-up that can be added to the website. Best, Rachael IPM-WG Co-Chair Rachael Perkins Arenstein A.M. Art Conservation, LLC Conservation Treatment, Preservation Consulting & Collection Management <http://www.amartconservation.com/> www.amartconservation.com <mailto:rach...@amartconservation.com> rach...@amartconservation.com From: pestlist@museumpests.net [mailto:pestlist@museumpests.net] Sent: Wednesday, April 15, 2015 10:21 PM To: pestlist@museumpests.net Subject: [pestlist] RE: IPM Access database? I haven’t found one either, other than the Zak’s Zpest software from museumpests.net, which is helpful and free, but not perfect. Can you post your responses to the list? I’m sure many of us would be interested in knowing what’s out there and how people are tracking their IPM data. Thanks, Dee Dee Stubbs-Lee, CAPC, MA Conservator / Restauratrice New Brunswick Museum/ Musée du Nouveau-Brunswick 277 Douglas Avenue Saint John, New Brunswick E2K 1E5 Canada (506)643-2341 From: pestlist@museumpests.net [mailto:pestlist@museumpests.net] Sent: Wednesday, April 15, 2015 4:01 PM To: pestlist@museumpests.net Subject: [pestlist] IPM Access database? Hi all, We’re interested in creating a custom Access database for our IPM program, but I haven’t had much luck finding a good template or example of one available online. Does anyone have one they might be willing to share? I’d love to take a look at how others have handled this – I’m a bit of a beginner with Access. Many thanks, -Jen logo Jen Tobias Manager of Exhibitions & Art Collections Denver Botanic Gardens 909 York Street Denver, CO 80206 720-865-3636 Phone 720-865-3682 Fax <http://www.botanicgardens.org/> www.botanicgardens.org
