This is topic 1.2. in the Uses section of the Advancing the Catalogue of the World’s Natural History Collections consultation. Use this topic to discuss the questions listed below.
Background
Taxonomic studies and other research projects normally depend on researchers (or their contacts) knowing which institutions hold relevant specimens or other materials. This is complicated by the history of expeditions and collecting activities. Specimens have been scattered across all continents. Only a small proportion of these specimens have been databased in forms that can be accessed through GBIF or other portals. A catalogue providing at least summary information on taxonomic and geographic scope for each collection could assist researchers in locating relevant materials.
Other materials
The following contributed materials are particularly relevant to this topic:
- Presentation: Index Herbariorum - Perspectives of a Long-Standing Collection Catalog
- Presentation: CETAF and DiSSCo Collections Registry
- Document: GBIF Services and Support for the Collections Catalogue
- Presentation: ALA Collectory
Questions
- Would summary information on every collection’s materials be a useful tool?
- Who would use this information?
- What is the minimum level of information (and what is ideal) to support these users?