Built for how university collections operate

Address the Realities of Managing Academic Collections

  • Manage Diverse Collections Across Departments
    University collections often span art, archives, scientific specimens, and teaching collections across multiple departments. Centralise records in one flexible system to eliminate silos and improve collaboration.
  • Support Teaching and Research Access
    Collections are active resources for students, faculty, and researchers. Provide structured, reliable access to collections data while maintaining control over records and permissions.
  • Standardise Data Across Institutions
    Inconsistent cataloguing practices can create confusion and limit usability. Use controlled vocabularies and configurable fields to standardise data and improve accuracy across departments.
  • Track Object Locations, Loans, and Usage
    University collections frequently move between storage, classrooms, exhibitions, and loans. Track object locations and movements with complete histories to maintain accountability and reduce risk.
  • Connect Collections Data with Digital Assets
    Images, documents, and media are essential for teaching and research. Link digital assets directly to object records to support accessibility, learning, and publication workflows.
Trusted by world-renowned universities

Software Shaped by Real Institutional Needs

For more than 40 years, Gallery Systems has worked with universities, museums, and cultural institutions to support the management of diverse collections. Our collection management software helps institutions connect teaching, research, and stewardship—supporting accurate documentation, improved access, and long-term collections care across departments.
Collections staff reviewing TMS Collections dashboard in a meeting room to support university collections workflows.
Built for academic complexity and collaboration

Connect Collections Data, Teaching Resources, and Digital Assets in One Place

TMS Collections is web-based collection management software for university collections, designed to manage diverse holdings across departments and use cases. Combined with TMS Media Studio, it connects object records, digital assets, loans, and workflows within a single, scalable platform.

  • Object & Data Management: Catalogue diverse collections with flexible fields, ensuring consistent documentation across departments.
  • Loans, Teaching & Movement Tracking: Track loans, teaching use, and object movements with complete histories.
  • Integrated Digital Asset Management: Manage images, documents, and media in TMS Media Studio, fully integrated with collection records.
  • Configurable Workflows & Reporting: Customise workflows, dashboards, and reports to support teaching and research needs.
  • Search, Access & Collaboration Tools: Enable easy discovery with advanced search and controlled access for staff and students.
University campus aerial view representing institutions that connect collections and teaching resources with Gallery Systems
tms-collections-objects-list-view
An ecosystem built for you

Connected Tools Supporting University Collections Management

The TMS Suite provides integrated software for university collections, connecting object records, digital assets, and workflows to support teaching, research, and stewardship.
TMS Collections on a computer in a museum

TMS Collections

Comprehensive collection management software for university collections: catalogue diverse objects, manage loans and movements, and maintain accurate records across departments.
tms media studio on the computer in a museum office

TMS Media Studio

A digital asset management system for collections, managing images, documents, and media files while linking them directly to collection records for improved access and use.
museum worker at a computer

TMS Suite

With TMS Collections at its core, the TMS Suite connects collection management for university collections with digital assets and other tools to support the full lifecycle of collections use.
Supporting Smarter Collection Management

Articles, Insights & Case Studies

Standardizing Collections Data: From Tactical Cleanup to Data Governance

Museum professionals are well acquainted with the discipline required to produce high-quality administrative content. Grant proposals, exhibition labels, and marketing materials are typically…

Why Galleries Can No Longer Wait to Modernize Their Gallery Management Software

The Art World’s Technology Reckoning Only 19% of galleries call themselves technology leaders, yet 43% plan to invest more in online sales this year, according to Artsy’s Art Market…

Collective Conversations with Chad Petrovay

Professional Services Specialist, Gallery Systems With a museum career spanning multiple institutions and over a decade partnering with Gallery Systems clients, Chad brings a rare combination of…

Questions About Collection Management Software?

Find answers to common questions about collection management software for university collections and how it works.

What is collection management software for university collections?

Collection management software helps institutions catalogue objects, manage loans and locations, connect digital assets, and support teaching and research workflows across departments.

Why do universities need collection management software?

University collections are often distributed across departments and used for multiple purposes. Collection management software helps centralise data, improve access, and ensure accurate documentation for teaching, research, and stewardship.

What challenges does collection management software for university collections solve?

It reduces data silos, standardises cataloguing practices, improves access to collections, supports loans and movement tracking, and connects digital assets to object records.

Can collection management software for university collections support teaching and research?

Yes. It provides structured access to collections data and digital assets, helping students and researchers discover, use, and reference collections effectively.

Does collection management software for university collections include digital asset management?

Yes. With integrated solutions like TMS Media Studio, institutions can manage images, documents, and media files alongside collection records in one system.

How long does implementation take?

Timelines vary depending on your data and requirements. Many museums begin using the system within several months. For a tailored timeline, please contact the team.