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Computerization of Large Collections: Challenges, Benefits and Lessons Learned. Barbara M. Thiers Director of the Herbarium New York Botanical Garden. Benefits of Computerizing Large Collections. Benefits to the Collection improves curation
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Computerization of Large Collections: Challenges, Benefits and Lessons Learned Barbara M. Thiers Director of the Herbarium New York Botanical Garden
Benefits of Computerizing Large Collections Benefits to the Collection improves curation corrects and supplements documentationof collections (e.g. label data) Benefits to the Institution Benefits to the International Research Community and Beyond
Benefits of Computerizing Large Collections Benefits to the Collection Benefits to the Institution facilitates curatorial work facilitates synthesis and publication of research results allows institution to participate in broad scale collaborative projects Benefits to the International Research Community and Beyond
Benefits of Computerizing Large Collections Benefits to the Collection Benefits to the Institution Benefits to the International Research Community and Beyond greater, faster access to collection data needed for research worldwide combining datasets from multiple institutions will create a more accurate picture of earth’s biodiversity
Challenges of Computerizing Large Collections • Inertia • The magnitude of the job is daunting • Computerization requires changes in procedure • Friction • Momentum • Perpetual Motion • Force
Challenges of Computerizing Large Collections • Inertia • Friction • Computerization can overwhelm other collections activities • Computerization requires cooperation • Momentum • Perpetual Motion • Force
Challenges of Computerizing Large Collections • Inertia • Friction • Momentum • allopatric speciation • competition • Perpetual Motion • Force
Challenges of Computerizing Large Collections • Inertia • Friction • Momentum • Perpetual Motion • maintenance of “completed” projects • long-term storage and compatibility • Force
Challenges of Computerizing Large Collections • Inertia • Friction • Momentum • Force • Technology • Funding
Lessons Learned • Communication is Everything! • Among project managers • Among institutional staff • Among institutions • Maintaining High Standards of Data Quality is also Everything! • Be Creative and Flexible with Technology
Lessons Learned • Communication is Everything! • Maintaining High Standards of Data Quality is also Everything! • Hire qualified staff • design data entry system to maximize adherence to standards • edit data constantly • Be Creative and Flexible with Technology
Lessons Learned • Communication is Everything! • Maintaining High Standards of Data Quality is also Everything! • Be Creative and Flexible with Technology
The Future of Large Collections Computerization Lessons Learned • Building Richer Resources • Integrating Offerings from All Institutions in to a Virtual Whole
The Future of Large Collections Computerization Lessons Learned • Building Richer Resources • Integrating Offerings from All Institutions in to a Virtual Whole