Company:CatalogIt

From HandWiki
Short description: Cloud based software
CatalogIt
Industry
  • SaaS
  • Museums
Founded2015
Founders
  • Howard Burrows
  • Dan Rael
HeadquartersAnn Arbor, Michigan, US
Websitewww.catalogit.app

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

History

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

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

  1. "Virtual Art For The Museum-Starved: Oakland-Based App CatalogIt Lets Museums Share Collections" (in en). 2021-03-08. https://www.sfgate.com/news/bayarea/article/Virtual-Art-For-The-Museum-Starved-Oakland-Based-16008376.php. 
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 "Virtual Art For The Museum-Starved" (in en). https://www.sfgate.com/news/bayarea/article/Virtual-Art-For-The-Museum-Starved-Oakland-Based-16008376.php. 
  3. Dunning, Savana. "Fort Adams takes first step toward establishing museum with new online artifact catalogue" (in en-US). https://www.newportri.com/story/news/local/2022/02/04/newport-ri-fort-adams-online-site-showcases-historical-artifacts-catalogit-hub-fort-adams-trust/6639482001/. 
  4. "Kinsman Library earns grant to digitize historic collection". https://www.tribtoday.com/news/local-news/2023/07/kinsman-library-earns-grant-to-digitize-historic-collection/. 
  5. NOW, Makayla Hancock News-Press (2021-06-07). "St. Joseph Museums adds new database" (in en). https://www.newspressnow.com/news/local_news/museum/st-joseph-museums-adds-new-database/article_c64aa9ce-c7c1-11eb-b577-230165804117.html. 
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 Foundation, Gina Gotsill, Bay City News (March 4, 2021). "Virtual art for the museum-starved: Oakland-based app CatalogIt lets museums share collections". https://localnewsmatters.org/2021/03/04/virtual-art-for-the-museum-starved-oakland-based-app-catalogit-lets-museums-share-collections/. 
  7. Williams, Addison (February 23, 2022). "Museum Collection Storage | Museum Storage of Small Items". https://www.historyassociates.com/how-one-museum-got-over-45000-items-out-of-storage-published-to-the-web-and-discoverable/. 
  8. Williams, Addison (September 22, 2022). "QR Codes: Improve Collection Access & Interactivity". https://www.historyassociates.com/using-qr-codes-to-improve-your-collections-access-and-boost-virtual-interactivity/.