Cataloging your collection of board games and card games will help you keep track of what you have and what you want to buy. These tips will help you prepare a useful catalog of your collection.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 10 minutes per game
Here's How:
- Create a separate catalog entry for each of your board games.
- Records in the catalog should include as much of the following information as possible. Complete records are helpful when you discuss your collection with other gamers.
- The game's full title, including any sub-titles.
- The name and address of the publisher.
- Any dates listed, including the copyright date.
- The size of the box and the size of the open board.
- Patent information, if there is any. (Many games are not patented.)
- The inventor, designer or author's name.
- A description or photo of the box cover.
- A complete list of the game's contents, both what should be in it and what actually is in it.
- The date you purchased the game, and the price you paid.
- Any additional information and notes you feel appropriate to include.
Tips:
- It's best to maintain your catalog both online and in hard copy. The online catalog makes it easy for you to buy from and trade with gamers around the world; the hard copy provides a foolproof backup.
- If you want a simpler game catalog than is described here, consider using the free game collection cataloging service at BoardgameGeek.com.
- It's possible to use a spreadsheet program, such as Excel, to maintain a catalog of games.
- GameTracker software from Goldraven Publishing can help manage your collection and also keep track of what games you play.
What You Need:
- Games
- Cataloging Method
