EMERGING TECHNOLOGY AND NOVEL USES OF COLLECTIONS: CHALLENGES IN A CHANGING WORLD

In the past ten years the museum and informatics communities have enjoyed a renaissance as information management and dissemination has evolved. While efficient access to well-archived geological specimens and effective ways to retrieve their related data are critical elements for research and education in the geosciences, many museum and university collections are challenged to utilize these technological breakthroughs in managing collections and making information available for research and education. As many college and university geoscience departments are reevaluating their priorities the value and utility of the fundamental building blocks of past studies (i.e., vouchers) are coming under question. Furthermore, many museums have large backlogs of unprocessed collections and uncataloged specimens that also present challenges for research and teaching. As stewards of these unique resources methods to assess risk and to evaluate their value and priority for curation, databasing and digitization need to be investigated. There is a wealth of research and educational opportunities available for existing geological and paleobiological collections. The availability of new methodologies, database applications and internet resources has greatly increased the ability to efficiently manage geological and paleobiological collections for research, education and outreach. Other scientific disciplines, such as biological informatics have lead to many innovations that can be applied to geological and paleontological collections. Georefencing, for example, is one such tool that can enhance existing collections for new uses. The use of emerging technologies, widespread access to the Internet and construction of online virtual collections" and data portals, using such data retrieval protocols as DiGIR, are making collections related information accessible to geoscientists and other scientists looking to test hypothesis regarding earth processes and the history of life.