Collections Management Software - what and how much?

Dear museum colleagues

A colleague of mine at the Local History Museum in Durban has asked me about commercially available software for collections management. I know about a number of products but have no idea of relative costs.

I have heard of: Argus Multi-mimsy Collection

I have also heard mention of 'Collections Large' and 'Collections Small'. Are these versions of Collection or something quite different.

Are there other commercially available programs anwhat is the ballpark cost per user?

Please reply to me directly as I know this has often been discussed on the list but I have seen little mention of pricing.

Thanks very much

Glyn Balkwill

******************************************************* ************************ * Glyn Balkwill Tel (w) : 27 (0)12 341-1320 * * Deputy Director, Collections Management Tel (h) : 27 (0)12 664-1973 * * National Cultural History Museum Cell : 27 (0)82 770-7826 * * PO Box 28088 Fax : 27 (0)12 341-6146 *

* 0132 RSA * * * * Any opinions expressed are strictly my own * ******************************************************* ************************

No doubt others will suggest this ... I would suggest you do a web search on the 'Canadian Heritage Information Network' (sorry I don't have their URL handy) and then look at their reviews of collections software. They've published two reviews (one in 1996 and one earlier this year) reviewing many collections management software packages. The published books are invaluable if you're looking at commercially available packages. Good luck.

At 07:33 AM 9/10/97 +0200, you wrote:

Thomas A. Reitz Manager/Curator Doon Heritage Crossroads R.R. #2 Kitchener, Ontario, Canada N2G 3W5

Telephone: 519-748-1439 ext. 227 Fax: 519-748-0009

He didn't mention that the information is only available ONLINE or elsewhere upon payment of a considerable profit-taking FEE.