A bibliography can be designed in any database, but if you are keeping track of a lot of references, use a proper bibliographical package. Many users find the ability to create bibliographies for publications from their lists of references of immense value, especially if they have to re-format something for a different journal or if they write a lot of short papers with many references. Of the many available, EndNote Plus is the most popular in Newcastle, although there are users of Reference Manager. With delegation of financial and other functions to departments there is a need to keep financial records, student records and details about exams, timetables, research grants and much else. The problem itself is inherently complicated.
More time is taken to do the work and maintain the data than people realise at the start.
There is a need for data from the central records of the Univesity Financial management Use Excel. Most departments are now using this spreadsheet for many kinds of records. General record keeping Access is popular and has the capablity to keep records in a sophisticated way. You may find you have to use the programmable functions of these packages for administration, especially Forms for data manipulation and Reports for printiug out results. The database advisor is willing to meet anyone developing courses to try to help with ideas, examples and documentation, and Guide 114 is the latest attempt to bring together a hands-on class and numerous examples.