Introducing a New Search Service for Digital Archives Built with I.B.MUSEUM SaaS

New Search Service for Digital Archives

In recent years, an increasing number of museums have begun to build and publish digital archives. In response to this growing trend, Waseda System Development Co., Ltd. has announced a new search service featuring around 400 examples of digital archives created using their cloud-based collection management system, I.B.MUSEUM SaaS. The new service, known as the "I.B.MUSEUM SaaS Digital Museum / Digital Archive Example Database," is set to be publicly available on November 19, 2025.

Overview of the Service

The new search service utilizes the internet publishing feature of I.B.MUSEUM SaaS, which allows users to refine searches based on various criteria such as local prefectures and types of archives. The service will feature a total of 406 registered examples of digital archives, showcasing how other institutions have successfully established their own digital collections.

As more museums seek to embark on digital full-scale projects, Waseda System Development has noted a marked increase in inquiries regarding how to access examples from other institutions. Previously, the company provided individual URLs upon request; however, as the user base has approached 700 institutions and the available examples have eclipsed 400, the need for a centralized searchable environment became apparent. Thus, the search service has been initiated to provide easier access to these resources.

I.B.MUSEUM SaaS and Its Internet Publishing Feature

I.B.MUSEUM SaaS is available at a monthly fee of ¥30,000 and includes an internet publishing feature that allows institutions to build their digital museums without additional costs. By simply marking metadata and image data as "public," resources accumulated through daily scholarly work can be displayed in the digital museum for users to access. Following the implementation of the revised Museum Law in April 2023, which officially recognized digital archiving as a legitimate museum activity, the trend towards publishing collection information has escalated significantly. Users of I.B.MUSEUM SaaS can complete the construction in-house but frequently express the need for guidance and examples. The example database serves as a catalog showcasing I.B.MUSEUM SaaS-built digital museums and digital archives.

Purpose and Functionality of the Example Database

The new service is not intended to search for data registered in the databases of participating institutions; instead, it focuses specifically on the databases constructed using I.B.MUSEUM SaaS. Users can search through a list of publicly accessible digital archives based on specific criteria such as location and type, opening detailed information pages that allow them to explore links to the actual archives. This initiative aims to provide inspiration for institutions looking to construct their own digital museums or archives, offering insights from over 400 examples, thus helping them solidify their plans by examining various presentation techniques, information content, and design.

Detailed Functionality of the Example Database

For institutions interested in creating digital museums or archives but unsure of where to start, the database provides three distinct search methods:

1. Search by Prefecture: Users can search for case studies based on the prefecture where the institution is located, which is convenient for finding nearby examples.

2. Search by Type: Searches can be refined based on organizational structure and the nature of the data, allowing users to focus on examples such as "databases centering on the collections of individual institutions," "databases centered on multiple institutions," or "regional cultural resource digital archives."

3. Search by Construction Method: Users can filter by how I.B.MUSEUM SaaS has been utilized, primarily categorizing cases as either "completed using internet publishing feature," "linked from other websites," or "utilizing Web API functions," allowing for more granular specifications on sources and destinations for information.

About I.B.MUSEUM SaaS

I.B.MUSEUM SaaS, launched in November 2010, is the cloud version of the collection management system that has supported museums since 1992. The system efficiently manages a wide array of data regarding collections, including attributes and statuses of materials, along with unlimited image data registrations. Its functionalities also include enhancing visitor services through digital archive publications and collaborations with external services via the Web API. Targeting small-scale museums, the service is structured with zero initial fees and a monthly usage fee of ¥30,000, reflecting a commitment to making museum digitalization accessible. As of spring 2023, the number of users has surpassed 500, with projections indicating a reach of 700 institutions by the end of fiscal year 2025, marking I.B.MUSEUM SaaS as a pivotal digital platform for museums across Japan.

Company Overview

Company Name: Waseda System Development Co., Ltd.
Representative: Takeshi Uchida
Location: 4-40-17 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-0075, Japan
Established: July 1992
Website: Waseda System Development