[support] Search an external MSQL table?

Hi, I am working with a functioning Drupal site and have been asked to add an additional MYSQL table (book/resource library items) and a SIMPLE entry, edit and search form. I want the users to be able to search on several fields at once always with a %like% argument. Also, I need some simple results control (i.e. max items per page). Are there any Drupal-friendly PHP snippets that I could use to do this? My MYSQL table is up and running so I only need the scripts. Any suggestions are welcome. -John