CollectiveAccess:  A Minnesota Solution to Collections Management

What is CollectiveAccess?
CollectiveAccess is an online, open source based collections management software available through the Minnesota Alliance of Local History Museums.  In mid-2017, the Alliance and five pilot sites began customizing the system to meet the needs of collecting institutions in Minnesota.  The software is designed to include many of the features of other collection management software programs that are in use by institutions in Minnesota but with additional features to make it easier to use and more efficient.  Using the power of collaboration, CollectiveAccess allows multiple organizations to use the same software but control costs related to server space, storage, and system customization.

​Organizations using the CollectiveAccess system have to opportunity to share as much or as little of their collection on-line as they wish. The benefit of sharing your collection is that it becomes more accessible to researchers and the public.  To see the public site and search through the collections that are already being shared, visit:  MNCollections.org

How do I get started or who do I contact with more questions?
If you are interested in starting a subscription to CollectiveAccess, contact Alliance Coordinator Gibson Stanton (gibson@mnhistoryalliance.org, 612-500-7460) for an application to participate.  The application allows the Alliance to assist you in making an easy and efficient transition to the software program.

This project has been financed in part with funds provided by the State of Minnesota from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund through the Minnesota Historical Society