PRACTICAL GUIDELINES FOR DEVELOPING A DIGITAL IMAGING DATABASE FOR FOSSIL INVERTEBRATES

Current standards for textual and image data in the Invertebrate Paleontology collections of the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) have evolved over a period of ten years. In this presentation insights gained from the project are provided, in terms of practical guidelines and best practices.

The Fossil Invertebrate type specimen database started out as a cataloging system to keep track of specimens. It expanded to include imaging, approximately five years ago.

The main objective was to create an online database where high quality images would be linked to taxonomic information gathered from publications in which AMNH specimens appear. Text and image data will be linked for online viewing purposes, where they will be available both to researchers and to the wider public.

After defining standards for text and image data categories, protocols were created for data acquisition, data processing and workflow management. Guidelines were established for backups, and for uploading images and text data. Recent efforts have focused on long-term preservation of electronic data.

Once database content had been defined and an adequate workspace established, on a minimal budget, volunteers were recruited and trained. Resources, professional commitment from volunteers, and an adequate and pleasant work environment all contributed towards the success of this project.

These efforts have been the first step towards achieving our ultimate goal, the success of which depends on a long term commitment from the Museum to establishing and implementing imaging standards, recruiting staff and/or volunteers, allocating funds, addressing space issues, and committing to regular upgrades to maintain functional technology.