Gitchigumi Loc: Wake Forest, NC

I need some help... I currently use LR to do all this for me. No problems for me...

However, I have a friend that is the superintendent of a cemetery in my hometown. And, he is an excellent historian, especially about the people of the area. He has now asked about how he can store the approx. 50,000 photos that have accumulated over the decades. (I would expect he has photos and other documents going back 100 years or more.) And, he would like to make these photos available to anyone. So, that means providing any user with the ability to search and view the photos that he, and the cemetery, have amassed over the decades. I know this is not LR territory, as that is local software... But, what system, software, etc... should I steer him toward?

I am thinking cloud-based storage due to availability and secure backups. He can provide a link from their website to the database, I would think. But, I don't know about software to manage the database. I have already told him about how keywording works, as that, in addition to storage, is the essential part of this puzzle.

Can any of you help me with this? I would not be doing any of this work... just relaying info.

Thanks,

Linary Loc: UK

Lightroom CC (as opposed to Lightroom Classic).

Oracle Database ($$$)
Access Database ($$)

Gitchigumi Loc: Wake Forest, NC

Yes... But, LR requires any user to have LR to search the DB. I need a service that is available to anyone, anytime, without their having to purchase software. That is why I am thinking that the cemetery could subscribe to a service that would both provide free access, as well as back-up services.

Thanks for your input, however!

larryjphoto Loc: Phoenix

I would consider something such as a Network Accessible Storage (NAS) device that allows access to files via internet. One brand available on the market is Synology, but there are several others. They have smart apps for things like music access, photo access, and a myriad of other tasks. Setup is generally easy. Data is secure on the device due to its RAID configuration, but routine backups should still be performed and kept off site in the event a catastrophe (such as a fire, tornado, or such) occurs. Other manufacturers of similar systems are Data Robotics, and QNAP. There are others. Hope that helps.

Gitchigumi Loc: Wake Forest, NC

No worries... apparently, they have an IT guy that can handle this for them. So, no more need for info from the "Hogs". Thanks!

Morning Star Loc: West coast, North of the 49th N.

Your friend could:
1. Have a computer with all those photos available "in the office" for people to come and search there.
2. Have them available on-line. The best way to find out how to go about this, would be to contact someone who already has a database available on the 'net. Other cemeteries, local schools, museums, etc.

Gitchigumi Loc: Wake Forest, NC

Thanks! He wrote later that he has an IT guy working on it. He thought of me because I have this "photo affliction". LOL! Anyway, I advised him of the searchable database that LR provides. That seems to be the key component he needs. Hopefully, the IT guy will be able to get this done. As you know, LR is for an individual user and not for general public access.

And, I also learned that the cemetery has received these many thousands of photos and negatives from the local newspaper. So, they are scanning them (it'll take quite awhile!) and building the database. He has already shared photos of my father and sister that I cannot recall ever seeing. Should be very interesting when up and running.👍🤓👍

Morning Star Loc: West coast, North of the 49th N.

Yes, scanning is time-consuming, even with a fast scanner. On the days I am scanning, the bill for coffee consumption and snacks goes up considerably, but I also often get a piece of knitting finished while I'm waiting for the scanner ;-))
I hope the recipients of all these photos will appreciate them!

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Here are links to cataloging software.

https://photography.tutsplus.com/tutorials/how-to-choose-asset-management-software-for-your-digital-picture-archive--cms-24356
http://www.toptenreviews.com/software/multimedia/best-photo-organizing-software/
http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/10-free-photo-managing-software-you-should-at-least-know/
http://www.tomsguide.com/us/pictures-story/412-best-free-photo-management-software.html

Gitchigumi Loc: Wake Forest, NC

Gitchigumi Loc: Wake Forest, NC

Thanks, Jerry! I should have known you would have links for me. I will forward them along. Again, thanks!

via the lens Loc: Northern California, near Yosemite NP

Flickr.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

There are solutions out there for multiple users, which none of the free or low cost solutions offer. But if I understand what you are asking, is a database that does not require a client app to access it. Not sure this is possible. You need to provide a search tool to find images, and that usually requires something. I suppose one can use a site-filtered search using google.com, like site:www.website.com [search terms] - but that may not be the most efficient or easiest way to address this. You'd still have to build a website that has the catalog which has the pertinent information and keywords required to find things.

marine73 Loc: Modesto California

Shutterfly.com

JeffR Loc: Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Windows file explorer will add tags to files and let you search on the tags. Anyone with a Microsoft operating system has file explorer. I don't know Apple, but I'm sure there's a comparable utility as part of Apple's operating systems as well.