This section provides a (working) list of content management systems (CMS).

Choosing a CMS?

If you are considering a particular CMS, it is always a good idea to reach out to archives with experience using it. Most websites provide lists of organizations that have adopted their software. Archivists tend to be very helpful and honest about the uses and limitations of CMS, so don't hesitate to reach out to inquire about their experience! 

• Canadian Heritage Information Network (CHIN), "Guidelines for Choosing a Collections Management System", 2020: https://www.canada.ca/en/heritage-information-network/services/collections-management-systems/guidelines-choose-cms.html

This source outlines a process for choosing a CMS, as well as questions for assessing CMS and vendors. 

Not in a position to adopt a CMS?

• "When a Spreadsheet is Smarter Than a Database", by Emma Prince in Backlog, March 2, 2026: https://www.backlog-archivists.com/blog/dovp59gppxdo7ccgpluyxuay1ewe4m 

Willing to Share your Experience? 

Advisory Services receives frequent requests about choosing CMS. If you have firsthand experience with a particular CMS and have information or advice that you are willing to share with other archivists exploring their options, please reach out to Sarah Story, AMA Archives Advisor, who will put you in touch: advisor@mbarchives.ca  

Working List of Content Management Systems

Access to Memory (AtoM): https://www.accesstomemory.org/en/

• Web-based, open source application for standards-based archival description and access in a multilingual, multi-repository environment
• Widely adopted by the Canadian archival community 

ArchivEra: https://lucidea.com/archivera/

• Web-based archival collections software
• See "Essentia" program for small archives 

ArchivesSpace: https://archivesspace.org/features

• Browser-based archives and information management (option for both staff and public interfaces) 

CatalogIt: https://www.catalogit.app

• Collections management and web publishing either through CatalogItHUB or your own website

Collective Access: https://www.collectiveaccess.org

• For cataloguing and publishing archives and museums collections
• Mostly used in the Vancouver region. For a listing of users, see: https://www.collectiveaccess.org/projects/

Collector Systems: https://www.collectorsystems.com

• Cloud-based collections management 
• Can be paired with a website for public access 

DBTextWorks/InMagic: https://lucidea.com/inmagic-dbtextworks/ 

• Database and text retrieval software

PastPerfect: https://museumsoftware.com/pp5.html

• Museum software adapted for archival usage

Preservica: https://preservica.com

• Integrates collections management and digital preservation
• Free versions are available to trial

Recollect: https://www.recollectcms.com/category/archives/

• Collection management and online sharing