It's a Peach for Hampshire Museums

Knowledge Management system enables museum collection data interrogation and ‘virtual’ online exhibitions

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY MUSEUMS AND ARCHIVE SERVICE (HCMS) has selected First Option, provider of bespoke IT solutions, to provide a hosted document and web content management system that will enable HMCS to publish its wide range of museum collections online. With the package, at £3,000 for both software and an initial two-year hosting service, First Option is providing HCMS with its PeachKM knowledge management system and database hosted on a dedicated server. The system will enable HCMS with a user-friendly and highly accessible online museum collection.

Under recent government directives and initiatives for the improved accessibility of museum data, UK museums are required to make their collections accessible online. As one of the leading county museums services, HCMS is responsible for maintaining nineteen museums and historical sites across Hampshire. In 1996, the organisation was amongst the first in the UK to make their collections and catalogues available on the web, and is keen to maintain this reputation by providing its public with a more advanced solution.

Prior to working with First Option, the individual items had been uploaded as static HTML pages, which did not provide the flexibility the organisation was looking for moving forward. HCMS wanted to upgrade this system to one that would meet its current and future requirements, enabling:
• The display of collection data in a more user-friendly format
• A casual user to browse the collection data using multiple, easy-to-use and accessible methods
• The production of ‘virtual’ exhibitions highlighting specific items alongside explanatory text and multimedia
• Interrogation of collection data for specific search queries
• Easy refresh and update of the public site on an ongoing basis.

Ian Edelman, Web manager for Hampshire County Council Recreation and Heritage Department, comments, “We had been examining a number of solutions for some time for an effective and manageable way to better present and search our varied collections online; yet one that was both future-proof, and simple to use by both our administrators and the public. First Option was able to provide us with a unique system that fitted these requirements 100 per cent. In Peach, we have a product that is tried and tested, robust and easy to use; while First Option has proven to be much more than a technology supplier. Their approach has helped us to pinpoint exactly what we wanted the system to do, and they are now providing us with a solution that has completed solved our business challenges.”

As part of the implementation of the new system, HCMS has so far been able to make their collection of fans available to users on the net. With a turnaround of only ten days, the process included providing the site with multiple images, full descriptions and searchable keywords, while building in links with HCMS existing collection management database. The collection is searchable by material, date/period, theme, keyword.

HMCS is currently uploading its additional collections on to the website. The latest to go live is the topographical prints collection. (Unfortunately, images of some prints are not available for viewing online due to copyright reasons.) The collection is searchable by artist, date/period, place and keyword. Details provided include inscription, size, type of print, place, source. For example, keying in Dogmersfield gives the following results:

Print, engraving, Dogmersfield Park, Dogmersfield, Hampshire, drawn by J P Neale, engraved by M J Starling, published by Jones and Co, Temple of the Muses, Finsbury Square, London, 1831.
Place Dogmersfield, Hampshire.
Artist J P Neale
Made From 1831
Dimension 20.5x27cm

Edelman concludes, “The new system allows users to search the site for their own purposes, rather than browse through all the collections - we have already had positive feedback from users and are looking forward both to having the full range of items available online, and to further developments that the system will enable us to achieve.”

About First Option
First Option provides bespoke IT systems and services that help IT Directors and business managers solve core business problems.

Using a combination of technical expertise that is software, hardware, platform and development language independent, and an approach to system development that is based on an understanding of their customers’ unique needs, First Option is able to deliver the most appropriate solutions for providing competitive business advantage.

Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Alresford, Hampshire, First Option has over fifteen years’ experience in developing multi-technology, cutting-edge and flexible IT projects – ranging from web content management to customer information portals and enterprise knowledge management – producing bespoke solutions through their development and helpdesk teams that can be tailored to fit the needs of their clients, and deliver tangible value back to the business.

First Option’s approach is to have an open mind and to analyse each problem individually and create a solution that will solve it in the quickest and cheapest manner. This approach is echoed in First Option’s IT helpdesk and services division, where it offers 24x7 technical support to end-users and third party IT suppliers, by phone, e-mail, remote access and in the field - and in their customer’s own name. This approach enables customers to in-source expert IT support as required, extending their business model, while cutting costs and enabling the business to concentrate on its core skills.

First Option has customers in a range of vertical sectors, including hi-tech, automotive, public sector and retail. Its key customers include Jaguar Cars, Land Rover, Metropolitan Police, Elizabeth Arden and F-Secure Corporation. First Option also delivers support services – in brand – for a range of IT Channel partners.

First Option. Tel: +44 (0) 1962 738200; www.firstoption.net; info@firstoption.net

Hampshire County Museum and Archives Service (HCMS). www.hants.gov.uk/museums/

IM@T Online December 2004