CatalogIt is a cloud-based software used for managing and sharing collections.[1]

CatalogIt
Industry
Founded2015
Founders
  • Howard Burrows
  • Dan Rael
HeadquartersAnn Arbor, Michigan, US
Websitewww.catalogit.app

History

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CatalogIt was established in 2015 by Dan Rael and Howard Burrows to document Rael's personal collection of Native American artifacts.[2] Rael needed a system to document the artifacts so Burrows created a cloud-based, mobile app to serve Rael's needs, having found no other system for documenting ethnographic collections.[2]

In 2016, CatalogIt facilitated a release of the software to a limited, invite-only group within the private collector community.[2] Exposure and review of the software in 2017 attracted the attention of Joy Tahan Ruddell, a museum registrar.[2] Recognizing its potential utility for museum collections management, Ruddell joined Rael and Burrows to further improve the software.[2]

As a result of their collaboration, CatalogIt has expanded its reach beyond individual collectors, and has been adopted by museums and organizations globally, including the Berkeley Historical Society,[2] the National Black Doll Museum of History & Culture,[2] Fort Adams Trust,[3] Kinsman Free Public Library,[4] St. Joseph Museum,[5] and the Basque Museum and Cultural Center.[2]

Platform

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CatalogIt's users are predominantly museums, historical societies, and other cultural and historical organizations.[6] The software enables the cataloging of a range of items, including artwork, letters, and various forms of three-dimensional objects.[6] A built-in classification system prompts users to provide details about their uploaded items, such as the type and origin of photographs.[6]

CatelogIt provides an option to the user to either share their collections on the public CatalogIt HUB or maintain private databases.[2][7] It also enables users to browse or search thousands of entries across multiple topics and categories on the CatalogIt HUB.[2]

CatalogIt also supports QR code look-up and process management.[8]

References

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  1. ^ "Virtual Art For The Museum-Starved: Oakland-Based App CatalogIt Lets Museums Share Collections". SFGate. 2021-03-08. Retrieved 2023-11-07.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Virtual Art For The Museum-Starved". SFGate.
  3. ^ Dunning, Savana. "Fort Adams takes first step toward establishing museum with new online artifact catalogue". The Newport Daily News. Retrieved 2023-11-07.
  4. ^ "Kinsman Library earns grant to digitize historic collection". Tribune Chronicle.
  5. ^ NOW, Makayla Hancock News-Press (2021-06-07). "St. Joseph Museums adds new database". News-Press NOW. Retrieved 2023-11-07.
  6. ^ a b c Foundation, Gina Gotsill, Bay City News (March 4, 2021). "Virtual art for the museum-starved: Oakland-based app CatalogIt lets museums share collections". Local News Matters.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  7. ^ Williams, Addison (February 23, 2022). "Museum Collection Storage | Museum Storage of Small Items".
  8. ^ Williams, Addison (September 22, 2022). "QR Codes: Improve Collection Access & Interactivity".