Subject:        Collection Management Software

Julian Humphries wrote:
"You don't build the microscopes you use to examine artifacts nor do
you tell your doctor how to remove your gall bladder."

There are some people who can write computer programs, there are others =
who manage collections.  Most people who write computer programs do not =
have the desire or knowledge to manage collections.  Most people who =
manage collections do not have the desire, knowledge or time to write a =
computer program.  Without the specifics of both sides one develops an =
inferior product that no one wants to use.

Much of the time such software is developed as a collaboration between a =
programmer and a client.  Some of these will develop into a commercially =
available product.
There are those individuals who have knowledge of both sides of the =
issue and the support to develop a collections management program =
sjpecifically for their institution's collection.  I manage a small art =
museum collection about a thousand object.  With grant support we were =
able to purchase a computer, a scanner, and hire an assistant for data =
entry, plus pay for computer training courses.  The financial cost to =
the museum was about what an entry level package would cost. =20

While this approach is not for everyone.  It offers the opportunity for =
growth.  We are currently working towards making information on the art =
and the artists in our collection available to the public both at the =
museum and through an internet access. =20

Remember the old, old, old cliche, "feed a curator a fish and you feed =
it for a day, teach a curator to fish and it won't bother you until the =
next grant cycle." ;-)