Open Forum

I work at a newly-opened museum and am currently making decisions about software/programs for collections management, particularly cataloging.  The program would need to describe our object-based collections as well as our archival materials.   

I'm not sure PastPerfect would meet all our needs as we grow, but I'm also a bit cowed by the hefty price tag of some other cataloging systems.  Has anyone had success (or problems) using collectionspace, collective access or other open-source collection management/cataloging systems?  I should note that we have a part-time IT staff member to help set up and maintain the system.  

Thanks!  

-------------------------------------------
Dave Lewis
Curator of Collections and Digital Media
Birthplace of Country Music
Bristol TN
-------------------------------------------

We use CollectiveAccess. It's a good program, highly customizable, user friendly, easy interface, and good customer service. A pro and con is that it is a blank slate. You have to create and customize the tabs and fields you want, so this can take quite a lot of time and I am not sure of the back end prices of the set up and maintenance. Something else to ask about is exporting reports and forms and the limitations. We do not use CA for that.

We have used CA for many years and continue to learn new things and change features that are not set up as we would like. I haven't used any other open source programs, so I have no comparison.

I hope this helps.

-------------------------------------------
Samantha Cortez
Exhibition Registrar
National September 11 Memorial & Museum
New York NY
-------------------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 01-29-2015 10:58 AM
From: Dave Lewis
Subject: Pros and cons with open source cataloging systems?

I work at a newly-opened museum and am currently making decisions about software/programs for collections management, particularly cataloging.  The program would need to describe our object-based collections as well as our archival materials.   

I'm not sure PastPerfect would meet all our needs as we grow, but I'm also a bit cowed by the hefty price tag of some other cataloging systems.  Has anyone had success (or problems) using collectionspace, collective access or other open-source collection management/cataloging systems?  I should note that we have a part-time IT staff member to help set up and maintain the system.  

Thanks!  

-------------------------------------------
Dave Lewis
Curator of Collections and Digital Media
Birthplace of Country Music
Bristol TN
-------------------------------------------

Hi Dave-

While working at a small computer history museum in Austin, I researched our options for a CMS and after talking with a number of institutions narrowed it down to CollectionSpace and Collective Access. Based on conversations with our IT, we decided to use Collective Access. Once our IT staff downloaded it and did the initial set up, I found it easy to work with and to customize. I went so far as to upload a customized vocabulary for cataloguing. It was great for allowing various types of access for interns and volunteers who were also cataloguing and photographing the collections. (I also used it to track all donor/lender interactions.) We also used the web module to make a portion of the collection available online. While I'm sure I did not use Collective Access to its fullest capabilities, I was very happy with it and would definitely choose it again. 

Here is the link to the online database: http://www.db.goodwillcomputermuseum.org/providence/pawtucket.

I'm happy to try to answer any questions you may have. (I believe the 9/11 Museum also uses Collective Access, and they were great about answering my cold-call emails about their experiences with it.)

Good luck,
Lisa 

-------------------------------------------
Lisa Worley
Youth Education Specialist
Texas Historical Commission
Austin TX
-------------------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 01-29-2015 10:58 AM
From: Dave Lewis
Subject: Pros and cons with open source cataloging systems?

I work at a newly-opened museum and am currently making decisions about software/programs for collections management, particularly cataloging.  The program would need to describe our object-based collections as well as our archival materials.   

I'm not sure PastPerfect would meet all our needs as we grow, but I'm also a bit cowed by the hefty price tag of some other cataloging systems.  Has anyone had success (or problems) using collectionspace, collective access or other open-source collection management/cataloging systems?  I should note that we have a part-time IT staff member to help set up and maintain the system.  

Thanks!  

-------------------------------------------
Dave Lewis
Curator of Collections and Digital Media
Birthplace of Country Music
Bristol TN
-------------------------------------------