[Nhcoll-l] seeking repositories for personal collection data

[Peter Rauch]

Jodi,

There are repositories for biological diversity observations for which
physical specimens are not collected (the specimens are "observed" in the
field, and information, and perhaps photos, about those observations /
specimens is all that is "collected" and preserved).

So, while it might be nice to actually have physical specimens to "vouch"
for some of the information associated by the observer with those
specimens, it seems that in today's world of urgent need to learn as much
as possible about our remaining biota, we are creating places to deposit
only data.

Surely, even without the voucher specimens, some folks will find useful
records that indicate that such-and-such taxon was "observed" (even if
collected too) at a particular locality, date, by so-and-so, etc., etc.

Whether or not those data are very useful for "observations" which do not
identify to species the organism to which they refer, is another matter
(many collection specimens of invertebrates remain undetermined for long
periods of time, so their associated data may not have much value until a
specialist studies the physical specimens and a determination is had).

On the other hand, a well-curated private specimen collection with a high
proportion of reliably-determined names would likely have specimen-related
data of use to others, even without having control over or access to the
physical specimens.

Examples ?

https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.inaturalist.org_&d=AwIBaQ&c=-dg2m7zWuuDZ0MUcV7Sdqw&r=CLFZJ3fvGSmDp7xK1dNZfh6uGV_h-8NVlo3fXNoRNzI&m=IyEvf3tWG_0oyKZ-Gcjwime5nd1ki842P72vSxmlAmw&s=YyF0yuHHk7ugF8EQxeNtfvEaYGkbBr5_YsTJkPvk8hA&e= 

https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.audubon.org_news_how-2Duse-2Debird&d=AwIBaQ&c=-dg2m7zWuuDZ0MUcV7Sdqw&r=CLFZJ3fvGSmDp7xK1dNZfh6uGV_h-8NVlo3fXNoRNzI&m=IyEvf3tWG_0oyKZ-Gcjwime5nd1ki842P72vSxmlAmw&s=nOTfb9KYpTJXpCd-awUDqNN4l_hv6-2yj3MeoEMvrOU&e= 

https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.calflora.org_add_pofaq.html&d=AwIBaQ&c=-dg2m7zWuuDZ0MUcV7Sdqw&r=CLFZJ3fvGSmDp7xK1dNZfh6uGV_h-8NVlo3fXNoRNzI&m=IyEvf3tWG_0oyKZ-Gcjwime5nd1ki842P72vSxmlAmw&s=wwp1UyuWLivEa-vJAUL4IqRqg20BdjOM3Dk5Z8oyA44&e= 

It likely is a question to be answered on a case-by-case basis, because the
interests of the physical collection owner / caretaker, as well as the
actual character of the data to be made available, weigh so heavily in the
conversation.

Peter


On Wed, Dec 9, 2015 at 9:44 AM, <CSTURMJR at pitt.edu> wrote:

> Jodi,
>
> Not exactly sure about the premise, however, I don't believe that I would
> be willing to maintain the data in a personal collection without the
> specimens as vouchers. I maintain a small collection of mollusks. Those
> which do not involve my research are transfer to the Carnegie Museum;
> specimens and data. Those over which I continue to maintain ownership will
> be transferred to the Carnegie at some in the future. They will then get
> the specimens and all associated data. I would imaging if I wanted to make
> the data available now, I would set up a personal webpage and post it
> there.
>
>
> > Please forgive cross-posting.
> >
> > Does anyone have recommendations for repositories for invertebrate
> > specimen data in PERSONAL collections, not an institutional collection?
> > Specific to a taxonomic group or general. Thanks for any leads.
> >
> >
> > Jodi Shippee
> > Assistant Data Manager
> > Vermont Natural Heritage Inventory
> > Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department
> > 1 National Life Drive, Davis 2
> > Montpelier, VT 05620-3702
> > (802)272-2855
> >
>
>
> Regards,
> Charlie
> .................................................
> Charlie Sturm
>
> Treasurer
> American Malacological Society
>
> Research Associate - Section of Mollusks
> Carnegie Museum of Natural History
> Pittsburgh, PA, USA
>
> Associate Professor - Family Medicine
> Fellow-American Academy of Family Practice
> Fellow-Academy of Wilderness Medicine
>
> _______________________________________________
>
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