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<br />Notable limitations of the MUSE program are difficulty in uploading batches of
<br />data already present in other databases (e.g., dBase) and limited built-in querying
<br />capabilities. For complex queries, queries of non-indexed fields, and convenient summaries
<br />and reports, MUSE currently requires a separate database querying and reporting program
<br />either capable of accessing Btrieve data files (e.g., Xtrieve, Crystal Reports, Access) or
<br />uploading delimited ASCII output from MUSE (e.g., dBase, Paradox). Although much less
<br />convenient, LFL currently uses the latter approach and the dBase relational database
<br />program. A new Windows-based version of MUSE, which will be based on the Microsoft
<br />Access database engine, is scheduled for release in 1996 and should incorporate adequate
<br />querying and reporting capabilities. The numerous data checks and field-content
<br />specifications in MUSE make batch uploads from ASCII or other databases potentially
<br />hazardous. Accordingly, keyboard entry of catalog data has been strongly recommended in
<br />most cases. However, when uploads are necessary, MUSE Project staff will assist.
<br />
<br />Computer and Network Hosts for LFL's MUSE Collection-Management Program
<br />
<br />At the beginning of this project, LFL purchased a 486 computer to serve as the
<br />primary host for the MUSE collection-management program. We added essential
<br />productivity software such as a word processor, a tape backup system, and network card for
<br />connection to the Department of Fishery and Wildlife Biology LAN (local area network)
<br />and later the College of Natural Resources Network, University Backbone, and Internet. In
<br />the project's second year, we added a laser printer for printing container labels as well as
<br />related invoices, hard-copy catalogs, reports, proposals, and correspondence.
<br />Shortly after installing, learning, implementing, and further customizing MUSE on
<br />our primary host computer, we installed a duplicate copy on another LFL computer for a
<br />second point of access. Installation of MUSE in LFL's subdirectory on the Department's
<br />LAN in the second year of this project allowed us to access the database from any LFL
<br />computer connected to the LAN. All additions or changes to the database are now made
<br />only on the network copy, but the database is frequently backed-up on tape and downloaded
<br />to the fixed drive of the primary host computer. More recent connection of LFL computers
<br />to the University network, and thereby the Internet, has facilitated electronic communication
<br />and data or file exchanges with the RIP's centralized database repository (U.S. Fish and
<br />Wildlife Service, Grand Junction), other UCRB researchers, and MUSE Project staff at
<br />Cornell University.
<br />
<br />Collection Cataloging, Upgrades, and Reorganization
<br />
<br />As of the end of 1995, 24,840 lots containing a total of 1,233,332 specimens and
<br />representing 5,922 collections in 61 study-year sets were cataloged, updated, and
<br />reorganized. Over 500 lots were cataloged in 1992, 3,500 in 1993, 6,800 in 1994, and the
<br />remaining 14,000 in 1995. Of the cataloged lots, 20,896 (1,071,368 specimens, 4,854
<br />collections) were collected prior to 1994 and cataloged under this project; the remaining
<br />3,940 lots (161,964 specimens, 1,068 collections) were collected in 1994 and 1995 and
<br />cataloged as part of collection processing (specimen identification, counts and measures).
<br />Of the 20,896 pre-1994 lots cataloged under this project, 14,466 (586,963 specimens, 3,667
<br />collections) were collected from 1981 through 1991 and 6,430 (484,405 specimens, 1,187
<br />collections) in 1992 and 1993 . Table 1 lists, by beginning collection number, the year-
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