CatalogIt

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

History
CatalogIt was established in 2015 by Dan Rael and Howard Burrows to document Rael's personal collection of Native American artifacts. 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.

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

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, the National Black Doll Museum of History & Culture, Fort Adams Trust, Kinsman Free Public Library, St. Joseph Museum, and the Basque Museum and Cultural Center.

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

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

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