Purpose - This technical paper aims to define the steps necessary to create an effective two-dimensional image databases representing three-dimensional museum objects for the purpose of instruction. Design/methodology/approach - The participating institutions reviewed six key types of services: finding content, collecting content, accessing content, documentation, accessibility, and access control. The project created, converted, described and transferred digitized images and data records from each partner to the web where they became universally accessible through a single common search interface. Findings - The paper finds that collaboration between different institutions creates rich collections, and relationships that benefit the community. Research limitations/implications - Capturing elements of three-dimensional objects in a traditionally two-dimensional medium provides unique challenges for web delivery. Practical implications - Provides learning materials and access to objects that were once locked in storage and rarely exhibited, especially fragile and delicate objects. Also provides an environment for students to learn how to work professionally they would not acquire in the classroom. Originality/value - New techniques in digitization were used and experimented with that are not widely used with these type of collections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]