Conventionally, anthropological data are collected and analyzed by individu
als, and although researchers may use data managers to organize their infor
mation, there is little need to classify and code systems to be accessible
to others. Recently, however qualitative and quantitative data have been co
llected in projects with multiple researchers. Difficulties with the establ
ishment, verification, and management of databases for multiple users, part
icularly in longitudinal studies, are considerable if the rules underlying
coding schemes are difficult to identify or if the documentation is cumbers
ome. Drawing on the authors' experiences in Australia, the use of computer
packages for data management is discussed, and the importance of preserving
the integrity of data and maintaining context while facilitating its conti
nued and varied use is emphasized.