Version 7.0 includes new fields for recording use of objects, changes for compliance to SPECTRUM museum documentation standard, a new Activities file for writing topics that link other content, and many other smaller changes.
New fields and changes to existing fields in Vernon CMS
Recording Usage in Vernon CMS
Information on collections is increasingly coming from external sources. Recent projects like Collection Trust’s ‘Revisiting Collections’ highlight the importance of capturing information about the use of collections and contributions to the collection data from non-traditional sources. If you are interested in learning more, this link provides a download option for Collection Trust’s Revisiting Collections Toolkit for Museums.
Version 7.0 includes a new Contributor Comments edit table on the Provenance and Rights tab. The Rights and Reproduction file has also been expanded to accommodate the recording of the general use of an object.
Compliance with the SPECTRUM standard
As part of Vernon CMS’ SPECTRUM compliant status, we changed our ‘Copyright’ fields throughout the system to ‘Rights’ fields to better cover the recording of different kinds of rights.
We have also introduced Completeness fields in a new edit table.
Treatment window changes
A new Performed Treatment Keywords field has been added, aligned with the existing fields Performed By, Date and Notes.
Lucky 13th! Introducing our new Activities file
The Topic file
Topic can track the creation, approval and publishing of collection level descriptions, detailed captions and articles. The primary field is Description, where text is written to form the main content of the article or label. Supporting fields allow for documenting administrative details, such as request and approval information, rights information, and a full range of subject and association details.
External Tracking System (ETS) module – enhanced location tracking functionality comes to Vernon CMS
We introduced RFID capabilities within Vernon CMS during the 6.x updates. For version 7.0 we have moved this functionality into a separate module, and named it the External Tracking System module. Enabling this module within Vernon CMS also requires configuration and liaison with SmartTrack RFID, a Sydney based company we have partnered with to bring you this technology.
Enhancements to existing tools
Security
Individual Users and Security Groups can now be granted or denied access to records dependent on any field in the record they are viewing. Many sites have security dependent on the Department of the object record, however version 7.0 supports checks on any field, for example Restriction Type or General Flag.
Location changes
Changes have been made to the location functions in Vernon CMS to streamline the updating and management of object location details. – Barcodes can be recorded for whole objects, object parts and locations. – The Location history window now supports lengthy location histories, which are paginated for ease of viewing. – The Offline Location Spreadsheet has been revamped to allow different dates and times to be recorded per object. – Inventory Location has been added as a search field and there is now the option to exclude Inventories when searching location history.
Public access news
HTML Export now available to all users
Vernon CMS includes a module to export records using web page (HTML) templates. As of version 7.0 this module will be available to all users rather than being a separate paid module.
Export XML records from Vernon CMS to eHive
A new export format has been added to the Reporting Tool to allow object records and images to be exported in eHive format. eHive provides public access, data harvesting and programming interface options to open up new ways to share collection information.
Help changes
Full SPECTRUM documents provided from our Help menu
SPECTRUM provides detailed help on all common museum collection procedures and units of collection information. The complete SPECTRUM help reference is now available within Vernon CMS. This is accessible in PDF format from the Vernon CMS help menu.
How to upgrade
The version 7.0 upgrade and instructions are provided through the Customer Support Portal. Please contact us if you need help upgrading your system.
Vernon Systems develops innovative software for cultural organisations to manage and share their collections. We've been dedicated to the cultural sector since 1985.