Launched on 13 September 2024 with an initial collection of 3,129,798 records from 21 museums, and an additional 1,951,719 records already in progress, the Museum Data Service (MDS) is set to revolutionise the management and accessibility of museum data. By creating a single, unified platform, the MDS allows museums to easily upload and securely manage their object records while enabling users to search and retrieve records across multiple collections seamlessly. This inclusive and sustainable service aims to enhance the sharing and preservation of the UK’s rich cultural heritage, catering to museums of all sizes. MDS will serve as an invaluable resource for museum professionals, educators, researchers, and content developers.
While the MDS is primarily designed for institutional use, its impact will be far-reaching. Researchers in digital humanities will have unprecedented access to large-scale data sets, museum curators will find it easier to research objects for exhibitions, and developers can transform raw data into engaging content for the public. Moreover, short overviews of each collection will enhance discoverability, and the MDS acts as a critical backup resource, particularly for smaller collections lacking robust digital infrastructures.
Kevin Gosling, Managing Director of the Museum Data Service, elaborated on the platform's capabilities: “The website view of the data is just the tip of the iceberg. There’s much more happening in the back end, with innovative features that enable museums to manage their data securely and share it in a controlled manner. Building trust across the sector is paramount, and the MDS is designed with that objective in mind.”
The project is a collaboration between Art UK, Collections Trust, and the University of Leicester with funding from Bloomberg Philanthropies and the UKRI Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC).
