Hi pjnh,

Thanks for your interest in CollectiveAccess! To answer your questions:

| - A conservation module.

There is not a conservation module per-se. Rather you can configure data elements to record conservation data in a way that conforms to your needs. Since CA supports repeatable fields, and many "rich" field types (media upload, file attachment, length, weight, currency, etc. as well as standard text and numbers) this is generally a capable (and very flexible) option.

| -Alerts when items that have been lent to them are coming due.

We don't do this "out of the box" but it would be straightforward to write a plugin to do this

|-Multiple measurements, for example if a bust and pedestal have different measurement this can be recorded.

You can configure groups of dimensions fields that can repeat and include type and qualification information. Dimension values include units and CA can convert between english and metric and a per-user basis (eg. different users can see the measurements in their system of choice). You can also search on ranges of dimensions. (eg. pedestals with width > 1m)

|-A way to link all related content, so they could link a piece of art with an essay written on it.

Yes, this is possible. There is a wide range of options in terms of configuring this to work the way you want. We would be happy to help you figure out the best option for your project.

|-The ability to handle about 20 000 catalogued objects.

Yes, catalogues on that scale are pretty routine.

|-Video and audio capabilities

Yes, we support many formats. See the project wiki for a list. CA can transcode any supported format into web viewable derivatives. So, for example, if you upload a high-quality WAV file, it'll store that and also generate MP3s at a bitrate appropriate for streaming. Similarly, if you upload a QuickTime video (or whatever), it'll store that upload but also generate two MPEG-4's, one for streaming to computers and the other to mobile devices such as iPhone.

Since you're in Nova Scotia I should mention that we're working with the Association of Nova Scotia Museums to roll out CA to museums around the province. You might want to write to support@ansm.ns.ca and learn more about their plans.

seth