Recollect is a global leader in special collection management and community engagement for Galleries, Libraries, Archives, Museums, Academic Institutions and Heritage sites. Our solutions are designed to transform the way heritage collections are preserved, shared and celebrated.
With over 30 years of expertise in cultural heritage digitisation through our parent company, NZMS, Recollect was established to bridge a critical gap: enabling organisations to safeguard their digital assets while engaging communities in meaningful ways.
Our Purpose
We exist to protect stories that matter. Recollect empowers communities to take ownership of their narratives, ensuring they are preserved, shared and celebrated authentically. Our mission is to enrich collections by providing tools for collaboration, engagement and discovery – making heritage meaningful and accessible to all.
Our Journey
Our story began in 2012 when we envisioned a platform built on three guiding principles: making collections more accessible, improving discoverability and providing a place for engagement with online collections where communities could contribute their information, stories and content. What started as a New Zealand-based innovation rapidly gained momentum, driven by feedback from archivists, data modellers and cultural heritage professionals. By 2020, Recollect became a standalone entity, expanding into the USA, UK, Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong. Today, Recollect and its partner network serve over 140 organisations worldwide, empowering libraries, archives, museums, galleries, government institutions and community groups to preserve their history for future generations.
What Makes Us Different
Recollect isn’t just a platform; it’s a solution designed with users at its core. Unlike traditional collection management tools, we combine powerful technology with a people-centred approach, returning agency to the communities behind the collections. Whether safeguarding sensitive cultural archives, enabling collaboration through participatory storytelling or tailoring metadata to reflect diverse perspectives, Recollect adapts to the unique needs of every organisation and community. Our platform’s flexibility supports the preservation of culturally sensitive materials with respect and precision.
Our Solution
The Recollect platform is a powerful, cloud-based Collection Management System that removes the stress and complexity of managing digital archives. With features such as customisable metadata, granular access controls and participatory tools like the Right of Reply, Recollect supports organisations in preserving both public and restricted knowledge. As an industry leader, we are constantly evolving to meet the needs of our customers and the communities they serve.
Who We Help
Recollect supports a diverse range of organisations, including:
- Libraries, archives and museums wanting to digitise and share their collections
- Local government bodies preserving public records
- Indigenous and marginalised communities seeking secure, respectful tools for managing culturally sensitive materials
- Educational institutions providing students and researchers with accessible resources
Today, we support over 160 sites globally, enabling organisations to ensure their collections are discoverable, secure, and future-ready.
Award-Winning Platform
Recollect is proud to be recognised as a leading platform in archival innovation, with three of our clients earning the prestigious Mander Jones Award for the ‘Best finding aid to an archival collection held by an Australian institution or about Australia.’ Most recently, the University of Sydney received this honour for its innovative and user-friendly approach to providing access to its archival collections. This follows the City of Sydney’s Archives & History Resources catalogue, which won in 2020, and the University of Adelaide, recognised in 2021. These awards underscore Recollect’s commitment to empowering institutions with tools that enhance access, engagement and discovery in archival collections, bridging the gap for researchers and communities alike.
Looking Ahead
Recollect is more than software; it’s an undertaking by us and our clients to make heritage accessible, dynamic and alive. As we continue to grow, we remain committed to our founding principles, driving innovation that connects people with the stories that shape their identities.