Creating a Listing – Museum Exchange

A listing is the formal process of submitting a single object or multiple objects (a Collection) to Museum Exchange for review.

Submitting a listing is the step that moves your object or collection from preparation into the Museum Exchange review process. Once submitted, Museum Exchange reviews the information provided before the listing is added to the catalogue.

What is a listing?

In Museum Exchange, a listing is the record that formally presents an object or group of objects for review.

A listing may include:

a single object,

multiple objects submitted together as one group (Collection)

Submitting a listing tells Museum Exchange that the object or objects are ready to be reviewed for inclusion in an upcoming catalogue.

Single-object listings vs Collections

A listing can be created for either one object or multiple objects.

Single-object listing

A single-object listing includes one individual object submitted for review. This is the right choice when you want one object to be considered on its own.

Collection

A Collection listing includes more than one object submitted together in a single listing. This is the right choice when the objects are intended to be reviewed and received together. If listing a Collection, institutions must receive all objects in that listing as a single donation.

Before you submit

Before submitting a listing, make sure:

all object records are complete
images are uploaded and clear ownership information is accurate
the object location is correct
any available supporting information has been added

Providing complete and accurate information helps Museum Exchange review the listing more efficiently.

How to submit a listing

To submit a listing:

Sign in to your Museum Exchange account.
Click on Create Listing from the Objects or Listings tab
Choose whether you are submitting a single object or a group of objects.
Review the listing details carefully.
Confirm that the information is complete and accurate.
Submit the listing for review.

Once submitted, the listing enters the Museum Exchange review process.

What happens after submission

After a listing is submitted, Museum Exchange reviews the information provided for accuracy and authenticity before the listing is added to the catalogue.

If the listing is approved, Museum Exchange adds it to an upcoming catalogue where institutions can review it. During the catalogue window, institutions may explore the listing and decide whether to begin formal internal review.

If an institution decides the listing is a fit, it may later submit a formal proposal for the donor’s consideration.

Why review matters

Museum Exchange reviews listings before they are published in order to help ensure that catalogue information is complete, consistent, and reliable. This review helps institutions evaluate listings more effectively and supports a stronger matching process.

Common questions

Can I submit just one object?

Yes. A listing can include a single object.

Can I submit multiple objects together?

Yes. A listing can include multiple objects submitted together as one group. Keep in mind that if multiple objects are submitted together in one listing, institutions must receive them together as a single donation.

What happens after I submit a listing?

Museum Exchange reviews the listing before it is added to an upcoming catalogue.

Can I edit a listing after submitting it?

This may depend on the stage of the review process. If you need to make a change after submission, check the listing status in the platform or contact support.