An Interview with Dorothy McCaughtry, President/Owner

McCaughtry & Associates, Inc

Reprinted with Permission

_______

askSam:  What is your role within your organization?

DOTTIE MCCAUGHTRY: I am the owner, chief executive officer and senior consultant.

askSam:  Which askSam product(s) do you use?

DOTTIE MCCAUGHTRY:  I am using three versions of askSam - askSam for DOS, and both the Standard and the Professional Versions of askSam for Windows.

askSam: Can you tell us how you use askSam?

DOTTIE MCCAUGHTRY:  Primarily, McCaughtry & Associates has used askSam to develop computerized databases of law firm information resources.  These databases have been customized to meet each clients particular needs, but are based on the standard library catalog using Library of Congress MARC record format.  

In addition, we have developed databases of work product files.  Clients who are interested in retrieving forms and research for future reference have asked us to develop a system to provide that access.  Where a library catalog already exists, we have developed this second database to work in conjunction with the first.

Our most recent project was the creation of a national directory of independent law librarians.  The directory was originally created on askSam and distributed in hard copy.  However, it will soon be available via the Internet at the home page for the American Association of Law Libraries' Private Law Librarians/Independent Law Librarians.  For the first time, information will be readily available on independent law librarians across the country.

askSam: How has askSam made your job any easier, faster or more efficient?

DOTTIE MCCAUGHTRY:  Using askSam to create these record keeping systems has allowed us to provide our clients with customized information systems at a reasonable cost. For small firms, the price is of particular concern.  The Windows version of askSam makes it much easier for the clients to use askSam themselves.

askSam: What type of customer support you have received from askSam Systems?

DOTTIE MCCAUGHTRY:   Customer support has always been pleasant.  However, our very specialized needs have often made it difficult to get the answers we needed to our problems.  At times we have had to figure out our askSam for DOS programming challenges for ourselves.   It would be helpful to have a toll free number to call for support.

askSam:  Would you recommend askSam and why?

DOTTIE MCCAUGHTRY:   I do recommend askSam, for all the reasons listed above.  In fact, we will soon be starting a FormsFile for another client.  I am hoping we can use askSam again, but this client has Macintosh hardware, so the compatibility may be an issue.

askSam: What applications do you plan for askSam in the future?

DOTTIE MCCAUGHTRY:  As I stated above, we plan to start another work product file soon.  I expect to continue updating the ILL directory on askSam.  I also hope to learn the Web site application well enough to be able to submit the updates directly from askSam to the Webmaster.  I also hope to create a website for McCaughtry & Associates in the "not too distant" future and would, of course, use askSam to create it.

---------------------

Dottie McCaughtry

McCaughtry & Associates, Inc.

Post Office Box 400

44 Portland Drive

Ashford, CT 06278

Phone: 860-429-7637

Email: dottiem@aol.com