I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions on cataloging a magic collection. I notice some collectors use a book form to keep their information. Some even use pictures of the item, along with the description.

Are there any programs you like to do this? What information do you enter? etc., etc.

I would like to finally get my collection under control or at least in order.

Thanks,
Kevin

Here are 3 different programs. They each have their strengths and minuses. I started with the Bookbag because it did a direct sync to my PalmPilot. This allowed me to keep my entire database with me and update on the fly. Collectorz database was simple to use but allowed more data then the Bookbag product. This allowed me to store images also. It does have some limited import/export functions. Bookcat is by far the most powerful. It has the most complete database and has the advantage of using the MS Access database engine. It is a little more difficult to use and fine tune. The other disadvantage to both BookCat and Book Collectorx is that you need a third part database program for exporting the data to you PDA.

Here are the links to the varios software.

Good Luck Bob

http://www.fnprg.com/bookcat/bookcat.html
http://www.collectorz.com/book/
http://www.wakefieldsoft.com/bookbag/

I simply used a Microsoft Excel database and plug my items in as I get them. It then lets you sort them different ways. I list:
-The prop/trick name
-The manufacturer/book author (if applicable)
-Average Price to purchase new
-Category of Magic (Coin, card, close-up, stage, platform, utility, book, DVD, Lect. Notes, accessory)
-Additional comments if needed
-Whether I have instructions for the particular item, if applicable (I keep my instructions quite organized too)

Once these things are all in the database, you can sort it by category, by item name, price, manufacturer, whatever. Excel can also automatically tally the prices paid for you so you can see your collection value.

Hope this helps to give somebody a few ideas. Best of all, most people have this program on their computers already!
-Ty Argo

I'm with Ty - my magic collection is on a worksheet. It certainly meets all of my needs.