We did the research on how to evaluate digital tools for collection management — and we’re happy to share what we found.
The choice of collection management software is a critical decision for museums and organizations. It should align with the organization's mission, support users' daily tasks, meet budgetary constraints, and enable collaboration and public access. Consideration of industry standards and technical compatibility is also essential to make an informed decision.
This guide provides a comprehensive approach to evaluating and selecting collection management software for museums and organizations.
Identify those who use the software the most and how they use it
Establish a clear baseline for required software features and efficiency
Consider what collection data the software will capture
Focus on how the software will help achieve organizational milestones
Understand the software’s technical specifications and its standardization
Measure the cost of the software against the organization’s budget
Choose software that meets industry standards
Assess how the software will facilitate external collaborations
Review the software’s public access features
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