One way or another, I have worked with the Modes collections management system for most of my museum career. My very first museum job was sitting in a cold office in a 14th century hall inputting MDA index cards into the old Modes+ system (sounds familiar to some of you I’m sure).

Fast forward to 2026 and after stints over the years as a Modes user, regional adviser, associate, working group chair and board member I am now working with the Modes Users Association as Transition Lead.

If you happen to be interested enough to want to know more all the details can be found at https://www.modes.org.uk/a-new-chapter-for-modes-users-association/ In essence, I’m an extra pair of hands and guide to help the Modes team navigate change over the next 18 months. As it says on the Modes website our task is to ensure ‘Modes is well-positioned to evolve, modernise and continue serving the collections community for many years to come.’

I’m looking forward to getting stuck in.

It’s still business as usual for Tim Burge Museum Services. I will be working with Modes alongside my other clients so do get in touch if my services might be of interest.