Manage your collections

Make your archives accessible

Home / Services / Manage your collections

Overview

A collection isn’t just about what you have. It’s about how you manage it. Our Manage Collections service brings structure, order, and access-readiness to physical and digital heritage collections. From inventory and metadata to rehousing and digital file management, we help you build a sustainable and usable archive. This service can be fully implemented using the MAIS Information System. Either MAIS-Flexis (for management or internal use) or MAIS-(M)DWS (publish/web access). Prefer to use your own DAMS or CMS? No problem, we’ll adapt to your workflow.

Key Features

Collection survey & inventory
Physical management
Cleaning and paper conservation (optional)
Description & cataloging
Digital file management
Access planning & publishing

Our Process

1

Initial Assessment

We evaluate the current state of your physical and/or digital collection.

2

Inventory & Structuring

Assign shelf numbers, box labels, and unique identifiers.

3

Rehousing & Labeling

Move materials into archival-safe containers with clear labeling

4

Access Integration

Import structured data into MAIS-Flexis, MAIS-(M)DWS, or your existing system

Project information

Ideal For

  • Libraries, archives, and museums
  • Church and community archives
  • Institutions planning digitization or public access

Timeline

  • 3-12 months, depending on the scope and volume

Supported Systems

  • MAIS-Flexis (collection management)
  • MAIS-(M)DWS (online publishing)
  • Can work with custom DAMS or CMS platforms

Standards & Metadata

  • Dublin Core, ISAD(G), IPTC, PREMIS
  • Optional: file-level metadata embedding or hashing

Deliverables

  • Inventory files (Excel, CSV)
  • Cataloging metadata sheets
  • Structured folders for digital collections

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to use MAIS to access this service?

Not at all. We use MAIS-Flexis and MAIS-(M)DWS, but can also work with your own DAMS, CMS, or even a simple file structure.

Can you help import existing metadata into MAIS?

Yes. We offer data migration, cleanup, and mapping into MAIS-compatible formats.

What if I already started organizing my collection?

That’s great, we’ll build on what you’ve done and align it with best practices and your preferred system.

Will you train our staff to maintain the collection?

Yes! Training sessions can be added to help your team sustain the system post-project.

Structure your archives, sustain your legacy

We’ll manage, organize, and prepare your collections for the future, digitally and physically.

Contact us

Have questions about our products or services? Reach out to us!