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 u improves curation u corrects and supplements documentation of 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 u facilitates curatorial work u facilitates synthesis and publication of research results u 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 u greater, faster access to collection data needed for research worldwide u combining datasets from multiple institutions will create a more accurate picture of earth’s biodiversity

Challenges of Computerizing Large Collections  Inertia u The magnitude of the job is daunting u Computerization requires changes in procedure  Friction  Momentum  Perpetual Motion  Force

Challenges of Computerizing Large Collections  Inertia  Friction u Computerization can overwhelm other collections activities u Computerization requires cooperation  Momentum  Perpetual Motion  Force

Challenges of Computerizing Large Collections  Inertia  Friction  Momentum u allopatric speciation u competition  Perpetual Motion  Force

Challenges of Computerizing Large Collections  Inertia  Friction  Momentum  Perpetual Motion u maintenance of “completed” projects u long-term storage and compatibility  Force

Challenges of Computerizing Large Collections  Inertia  Friction  Momentum  Force u Technology u Funding

Lessons Learned  Communication is Everything! u Among project managers u Among institutional staff u 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! u Hire qualified staff u design data entry system to maximize adherence to standards u 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