Honestly, I wonder how we managed casting and short-note cancellations before Operabase, but the way of working in theatres, like in all other fields, has changed so much with digitalization.
When I started my first job in a theatre a long time ago, my first duty was to read newspapers and opera magazines from the past 2 years, and make lists of who is singing which roles where. We had a big box with file cards for each bigger part, and whenever needs, we consulted these cards. On top, we had our so-called "Bibel", into which my colleague put each performance in handwriting with title, date, conductor, director and all roles + singers ! This was also helpful as thus we knew who had already done our productions. All this had to be done very carefully and accurate, in the same way as you and your colleagues are now doing it now for Operabase, but it was a huge, time-consuming work and the range of information was much smaller.
After the first rather limited information about singers, roles and theaters on Operabase (I have been using it from the very beginning), this platform has developped enormously during the past years, offering more and more useful, interesting and different information. Thus it has become an indispensable component of my work. I also find it inspiring for the creative casting process, if used in the right way. On top, it's incredibly helpful for a first availability check, especially in case of cancellations. And I know that many of my colleagues feel the same ! I also want to underline that all people who work for Operabase are doing an excellent job - all information is carefully checked and there are hardly any mistakes. One can definitely rely on the information it offers. I have not always been totally happy with the outlook resp. handling of the pages, but now I have gotten used to and it works extremely well.
So I am not just a user, but a fan of Operabase !