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Manage a collection
This guide shows how to use a collection log to track items and understand how they change over time.
The focus is on clarity and traceability rather than maintaining a static list.
What you are tracking
When managing a collection in Anchorline, you are tracking items and their changes.
Each item has its own identity and history. Instead of overwriting attributes, you record updates as they happen.
This works well for:
- Libraries and media collections
- Equipment and assets
- Inventory and stock
- Tasks or records that evolve over time
Step 1: Create a collection log
Create a new log and choose Collection log.
Name the log after the collection itself. For example:
- Personal library
- Studio equipment
- Home inventory
This keeps the log focused and meaningful.
Step 2: Add your first items
A collection starts empty.
Create an item for each thing you want to track. Each item represents a real, distinct object or record.
Once created, the item appears in the collection and on the log's timeline.
Step 3: Record changes to items
Items change over time.
When an item's attributes change, record that change as an event. This might include:
- Updating a status
- Changing a location
- Adding notes or details
Each update becomes part of the item's history.
Step 4: Organize the collection
As collections grow, organization becomes important.
Use grouping, categorization, or anchors to represent structure such as locations, states, or ownership. This keeps the collection manageable without losing detail.
The timeline remains the source of truth.
Step 5: Review history
One of the strengths of a collection log is visibility into change.
You can see when an item was added, how it evolved, and what actions were taken over time. This makes it easier to understand the collection and trust its current state.
What you get from this approach
Managing a collection this way lets you:
- Track individual items clearly
- Preserve change history
- Avoid silent overwrites
- Understand how and why items evolved
Next steps
Once you are comfortable managing a collection, you can:
- Link items across collections
- Connect items to money or projects
- Organize large collections hierarchically
These patterns build on the same core ideas you are already using.