Developing qualitative databases for multiple users

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.