The Baltimore City Life Museums is seeking to upgrade it's computer collections
   manage management mman
management system. We want a system which can accommodate two and three dim-
ensional artifacts, can produce appropriate record forms, and is easy to use--
with fields for all the relevant data.  REGIS and Willoughby SNAP are two
systems we've begun to investigate.  We would like to hear from REGIS and
SNAP users: Do you like the systems?  Based on your experiences, what are
the pros and cons?
 
To other registrars/collections managers/curators: Are there other management
systems out there--even if more comprehensive or complex--which registrars
and curators who are computer nonwizards would be foolish not to investigate?
 
We are also exploring the use of digital imaging as part of our collections
management system.  It is hoped that this would be linked to interactive
computer programs designed to teach history in a new computer gallery
scheduled to open in 1995.  In a situation where the success of collections
management has priority, does it make sense to link a gallery system to
the collections management system now, or at all?
 
We've heard that current equipment doesn't allow editing, which could pose
problems as far as collections management is concerned.  We've also been
advised to begin documenting with a good quality photo, which is required
for digital imaging anyway, and wait for technology to meet our editing
needs before making the investment.  We would like to hear from someone on
this.
 
If you have any comments, could you please contact Victoria Hawkins c/o this
e-mail address: ([log in to unmask]) or call 410-396-5290 or
fax 410-396-1806.
 
Thanks, Dale Jones, Director of Interpretation, Baltimore City Life Museums