Yes, while I agree with Siger, Project Manager and Connecter being great options. Don't forget the built in .mat library can also load .max files as well. Which means you can actually load your libraries from previous projects which use the same material names, and replace them using your favorites/previous authored materials from an existing 3dsmax scene, or just populate the .mat with that .max file. Its more powerful than you might take it granted for since there's not many tutorials on the matter and whatnot, but its actually very powerful with lots of useful functions and from what I've seen over the years not used to its potential.
Attached is an example of loading a 3dsmax file with my favorite velvet, chrome, rubber materials etc. I can just re-use them from that project and then save them to my favorite .mat library if I choose to.
Another example is you can just right click on the chrome material > replace all "chrome" materials with this preset for example.