I have a table of existing borrowers of our lending library. I am asking for help in how the librarian(s) can determine that a customer's record is in the current table; does any of their personal information in their record need to be updated; or is this a new customer that needs to be updated/added in the table. Can I create a two-part form with a pull-down box at the top showing selected data of sorted records (i.e, by name) and the current full table record for the selected borrower at the bottom, which can be edited/updated as required? Of course, I understand that once it is determined that the customer does not exist in the present table, I probably need a separate form for new customers. I would appreciate guidance in how I would go about setting this up.

The first part of this is figuring out how to determine new borrowers. I would be inclined to use their phone number. Once you have determined if the borrower is not already listed, then you simply use the new record button to add a record. I'm not sure why you would need a separate form.

You could use a "Split Form" to show a listing of borrowers with a single form for entering/editing data.

Put everything in a Microsoft Excel data base. Edit and query fields as you please.

Put everything in a Microsoft Excel data base. Edit and query fields as you please.

Excel is NOT a database, Excel is a spreadsheet. It is inappropriate for a database application such as the one described by the OP. A lending application such as the one described needs a relational database.

The first part of this is figuring out how to determine new borrowers. I would be inclined to use their phone number. Once you have determined if the borrower is not already listed, then you simply use the new record button to add a record. I'm not sure why you would need a separate form.

You could use a "Split Form" to show a listing of borrowers with a single form for entering/editing data.


Thank you, Scott, for your very helpful suggestions and guidance. I'm working on it now.