Cataloging a Music Collection via Access??

[Jeff Strouse]

My music collection has grown to the point where I really don't know what I have anymore. So, I need to catalog my entire music collection (CDs, LPs, Tapes, etc). What's the best method to do this?

I have found on-line cataloging software for purchase which can do this http://www.collectorz.com/music/ ; however, I know Microsoft Access (which I already have) can do the same thing.

The only problem I see with Access is there is no direct CD recognition. In other words, I'd have to type in all the CD info, instead of the software recognizing the disc and pre-filling the fields for me. Is it possible for Microsoft Access to connect on-line with a CD database to save me from typing a lot of info?

My main dilemma is that I have a lot of "Various Artists" CD's. If I type “Various” under the “Artist” field, I would need an additional "Artist" field next to the "song title" field, to account for the individual artists on those cuts. And when I search for a particular "artist", I would need the software program to cross-reference both artist fields (primary and sub-artist), to find all the recordings.

I would appreciate any tips and help if anyone else out there has also cataloged their music collection.

Thanks!