Using the same form to search or perform data entry

[rmccafferty]

I have a data input form that is very straight-forward.

I would like the user to be able to enter a name in the same form and be able to look up to see if there is already a record for that name. Is there an easy way to do this?

Trying to think this through, it is possible there will be more than one record for that name. That is, the same person may have had more than one "transaction" in the past. Seeing all records for the name being searched for, with several fields showing in the result of the search, would surely be helpful. (By additional fields, I am thinking the date of the "transaction", a transaction number, something that would let the user pick which existing record they want to see/edit.

And, thinking out loud, so to speak, if they are unsure whether a relevant record exists, once the user sees the options of existing records to select from, I would think that they need the option to either select an existing record to see/edit, or to begin a new record. And, of course, if there are aspects that I am not thinking of, I am open to any and all relevant advice.

I have some experience in VBA but am by no means an expert in it.

Thank you