18th Annual Meeting - The Society for the Preservation of Natural

Transcription

Program and Abstracts
Society for the Preservation of Natural History CoUections
18th Annual Meeting
June 15-19,2003
Museum of Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas
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The Museum of Texas Tech University
The Museum of Texas Tech Univers ity is a general museum with several components. The main
museum building houses collecti ons with approximately 3 million objects, has 18 exhibition galleries,
an auditorium with seating for 300, and a 10,700 sq. ft. sculpture court. Otber components of the
museum building include the Moody Planetarium and the Natura l Science Research LaboratOlY- At
other locations are the Lubbock Lake Landmark, an archaeological and natural history preserve that
has divulged a 12,000 year history of animals, envirorunents, and Native American lifeways and is the
result of more than 65 years of research into tbat history. and also the Val Verde Research Site.
The Museum features the following permanent exh ibit ga lleries:
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Taos Gallery
Southwest Ga llery
Alt of Sub-Saharan Africa Gallery
Ethnohistory of the South Plains Gallery
Giants of the World Ga llery
Lubbock Gallery
Explorium
Pre-Columbian Gallery
Vertebrate Paleontology Gallery
Diamond M Ga lleries
SPNHC 2003 Organizing Committee
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Richard Monk- Chair
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Nicky Ladkin- Transportation & Cateri ng
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Heath Gamer- Volunteer Coordinator
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Jackie Chavez- Clerical
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Susan Hoke- Financial
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Kelly Goutette, Denver Museum of Nature and Science- WorkshopDevelopment
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Tim White. Yale Uni versity- Workshop Development
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Table of Contents
Trade Show Exhibitors ........................................................................................................... ... ....... 4
Advertisers .............. ................. ............................................. .......... ................................................. 5
Program SummalY .... ....................................................................................................................... 6
Detailed Program ................. ....................................... ........................... ...................... ..................... 8
Posters ............................................................................................................................................ 14
Oral Presentation Abstracts .............. ............................................................... ............................... 15
Poster Abstracts .... ........ ............ ........ .................................. ..... ................ ........... ................... ......... 50
Index to Authors .................. .......... ................ .................................... ............................ ........ ......... 60
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li:xhibitors
Delta Designs Ltd.
PO Box 1733
Topeka, Kansas 6660 I
Viking Meta l Cabinet Co.
532 1 West 65"' Street
Chicago, Illinois 60638
Bruce Danielson
President
(785)234-2244
bdanielson@deltadesign Itd.com
Linda Gottfried
Sales Manager
(800)776-7767
Iinda(ci)vikin glllctal.co III
Museum Storage Cabinets.
Cabinets and accessories for the s torage and solutions of all types ofmusell1l1 collections.
K.E Software
750-60 I West Broadway
Vancouver. CANADA V5Z4C2
Western Office Systems, Inc.
1308 35'" Street
Lubbock. Texas 794 12
David Lasky
Director of Sales and Marketing
(604)877- 1960
info@kesoftware.com
Tom Keary
Prob lem Solver
(800)244- 1452
info(ci)wosi.com
KE Emu is a full-featured coll eCtions management system for museums and historical societies. KE Emu provides access from small to very
large collections and manages all aspects of an
ins titution's collections. Extensive retrieval facilities are available within the institution and
to extemal patrons via the Imemel.
Western Office Sys tems represents the
SpaceSaver Corporation which provides highdensiry mobile storage systems. Typically, we
enable our customers to reduce their storage requirements by about 50%. We also carry ArtRack
and Paramount museum cabinetry as we1.l as a
complete line of archival supplies, boxes, etc.
University Products, Inc.
517 Main Street
Holyoke, Massachusetts 0 I 040
John A. Dunphy
Director of Marketing
(800)628- 19 12
jadunphy@universitvproducts.com
Display includes a variery of conservation and
archival storage products from the company's new
2003/2004 catalog- including an expanded natural history section.
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Advertisers
AII Packaging Company, Inc.
15 15 West Ninth Street
Kansa City, Missouri 64101
Kols Containers, Inc.
1408 DeSoto Road
Baltimore, Maryland 2 1230
Juli eMize
Sales Manager
(800)229-3711
juliem@alll'ackco.com
Denise Stevens
Sales & Customer Service Representative
(4 10)646-2300
dens@oberk.com
Benchmark Catalog
PO Box 214
Rosemont. New Jersey 08556
Lane Science Equipment Corp.
225 West 34'" Street. Suite 1412
New York, New York 101 22- 1496
Anne Spence
(609)397- 11 31
admin@benchmarkcatalog.com
(212)563-0663
www.lanescience.com
CHIN / RCIP
15 Edd y (15-4-A)
Hull . Qllebec, CANADA KI A OMS
Willoughby Associates
266 Linden
Winnetka, millois 60093
Paul Lima
Liaison & Marketing Coordinator
(800)520-2446
plima@chin.gc.ca
Arlette Grabczynska
Business Develo pment Associate
(847)332- 1200
in fo@w illo.com
Heritage Preservation
1625 K Street NW. Suite 700
Washintgon. DC 20006
Kristen Hoffmann
(202)634-0032
www.heritagepreservation.org
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Conference Program Summary
Saturday: June 14, 2003
12pm -Ilpm
Donn Check-ln
Sunday: June 15
7:30- 5:00
7:30- 8:30
7:30- 5:00
8:00-4:30
8:00- 12:00
11 :00 am- ?
12:00- 1:3 0
12 pm - II pm
1:30-4:30
5:00- ?
Registration
Breakfast
Poster Installation
Committee Meetings (with breaks and lunch)
Field Trip- Triassic Treasures of Texas
Field Trip- History and Narure Come Alive in Texas
Lunch
Donn Check-In
Field Trip- Lubbock Lake Landmark
First Council Meeting
Monday: June 16
8:00- 5:00
8:00-9:00
9:00- 12:30
12:30- 1:30
1:30- 3:00
3: 15-4:30
4:30- 7:00
Regi tration
Breakfast
Technical Sessions (with break)
Lunch
Plenary Session
Collection Tours
Ice Breaker Reception (at Museum)
Tuesday: June J7
8:00- 5:00
8:00-9:00
9:00- 12:30
12:30- 1:30
1:30- 3:00
3:30- 5:30
Registration
Breakfast
Technical Sessions (with break)
Lunch
Poster Session and Trade Show
Special Imerest Group Meetings
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Wednesday: June 18
8:00- 5:00
8:00-9:00
9:00- 5:00
12:30- 1:30
7:00-9:30
Registration
Breakfast
Technical Sessions (with breaks and lunch)
Lunch
Banquet (at Buddy Holly Center)
Thursday : June 19
8:00- 9:00
9:00- 12:30
12:30- 1:30
1:30- 3:00
3:30-5 :30
Breakfast
Allllual Business Meetings (with break)
Luncb
Technical Session
Second Council Meeting
Workshop .Program Summary
Friday: June 20
7:30- 4:30
7:30- 8:30
8:30- 4:30
II :45- 1:00
Registration
Breakfast
Workshop Sessions (with breaks and IW1Cb)
Lunch
Saturday: June 21
7:30- 10:00
7:30- 8:30
8:30- 5:00
12:00- 1:00
Registration
Breakfast
Workshop Sessions (with breaks and lunch)
Luncb
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SPNHC- Modern Museums: Balancing Tradition and Technology
Saturday: Jllne 14 and Sunday: June 15, 2003
lime
12pm-11 pm
locorioll
Dorm Check-In
Horn/Kna pp Hall
Sunday·. June 15, 2003
rime
event
locorioll
7:30-5 :00
Registration
Museum: Sculpture Court
7:30-8:30
Breakfast
Museum : Sculpture Court
7:30-5:00
Poster installalion
8:00-12:00
Field Trip: Triassic Treasures of
Texas
Meet at Museum
Return to Museum
8:00- 10:00
Conservation
Museum: Memorial Room
Documentation
Museum: Green Room
Refreshment Break
Elections
Membership
Museum: Green Room
11 :00
Field Trip: History and Nature
Come Alive in Texas!
Meet al Museum
Return to MOlelslDorms
12:00- 1:30
Lunch
Conference Cafe
1:30-4 :30
Fieltl Trip: Lubbock Lake
Landmark
Meet at Museum
Return to Museum
1:30-3:00
Education and Training
Publications
Museum : Green Room
Finance
Conference
Museum: Green Room
4:30-5:00
Refreshment Break
5:00-8:00
First Council Meeting
TBA
10:00-10:30
10:30-12:00
3:00-4:30
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~ondaY'June16
, 2003
lime
event
location
8:00-5 :00
Registration
8:00-9:00
Breakfast
9:00-10:30
Technical Session
Museum: Auditorium
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Rachael Arenstein- There Must Be an Easier Way to Do This: Technology and
Moving Collections at NMAI
2
Angelique Corthals- The Online Tissue Specimen Database of the Ambrose
Monell Cryo Collection (AM-CC) at the American Museum of Natural History
(AMNH)
3
Jean DeMouthe- Making Labels from Database Files
4
Mariko Kageyama- Palm®-Assisted Specimen Tracking System for the Mammal
Collection at the Museum of Texas Tech University
5
James Macklin- A History of Collection Data Capture at the Academy of Natural
Sciences, Philadelphia
10:30-11 :00
Refreshment Break
11 :00-12:30
Technical Session
Museum: Auditorium
1
Barbara Hamann- Testing Herbarium Sheets for Mercury at Carnegie Museum of
Natural History
2
Jean DeMouthe- The Little Things in Life: Keeping Track of Itty Bitty
Specimens
3
Krista Zala- Laser-Printed Labels in Wet Collections: Are They Holding Up?
4
Suzanne Le\vis and Malcolm Bilz- Parylene Coating Entomological Specimens
as a Possible Preservation Technique
5
Ann Molineux- 1 9~ Century Coll ections Meet 21" Century Technology
12:30-1 :30
Lunch
Musewn: Scu lpture Court
1:30-3:00
Welcome (Gary Edson)
Keynote Speaker (Terry Yates)
Museum: Auditorium
3: 15-4:30
Co llection Tours
Museum
4:30-7:00
Ice Breaker Reception
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Tuesday· June 17, 2003
lime
evel1t
locatiol1
8:00-5:00
Registration
8:00-9:00
Breakfast
9:00-10:30
Technical Session
Museum: Auditorium
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Fernando Marte- Decontamination Processes and Their Effects on Proteins,
Cellulose and Other Materials Found in Museum Collections
2
Anita Benedict- Assessing Environmental Risk at Structurally Enclosed, 111 Situ
Paleontological Exhibits
3
Gamet Muething- Risk Assessment of Collections on Exhibit at the Canadian
Museum of Nature
4
David von Endt- Further Studies on the Stability of Natural History Specimens
in Fluid Storage
5
Kimberly Sennett- Advanced Tools for Environmental Monitoring and Analysis
10:30-11 :00
Refreshment Break
11:00-12:30
Technical Session
Museum: Auditorium
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Terri Cames- Information Compiled from the Adair-Steadman Collection
Comprehensive Two-Step Inventory Aids in Development of Database
Management System
2
Paul Morris- Tradeoffs in the Design of Databases for Natural History
Informatics
3
Shirley Harpham- Localized vs. Centralized Databases: One Program ' s
Experiences
4
Richard Rabeler- Adopting a Database Standard: Easier Said Than Done
5
Janet Waddington- ROM Digital - The Quest for Standards
12:30-1 :30
Lunch
Museum: Scu lpture Court
1:30-3:00
Poster Session and
Trade Show
3:00-3:30
Refreshment Break
3:30-5:30
Special Interest Group Meetings
Museum: Rooms TBA
7:00
TTU Alumni Reception
TBA
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Wednesday- June 18 , 2003
lime
event
locatioll
8:00-5 :00
Registration
8:00-9:00
Breakfast
9:00-10:30
Technical Session
Museum: Auditorium
I
Mariko Kageyama- Re-evaluation of Museum Voucher Specimens in Modem
Scientific Research
2
Frank Walski- Shipping Specimens and Compliance with Dangerous Goods
Regulations
3
Dean Pentcheff- Websites on a Shoestring: Good, Cheap Collection Data
Publishing
4
Darolyn Striley- From Spider Webs to the World Wide Web- Using the Web to
Communicate the Content of our Collections and Prioritize our Activities
5
Stephen Williams- Planning the Future Workforce of Natural Science Research
Coll ections: A Review of Graduate Academic Programs in the United States
10:30-11 :00
Refreshment Break
11 :00-12:30
Technical Session
Museum: Auditorium
I
Roger Burkhalter- Digitallmaging of Invertebrate Fossils
2
Pamela Owen- Digital Specimens: New Views from the Texas Memorial
Museum and DigiMorph.org
3
Ryntha Johnson- Anthropology and the Web
4
James Bryant- Combining the Old with the New: How Historic Collections of
Native Plant Species and Modem GIS Software Can Inform Decision-making
in the San Jacinto Mountains, Riverside County, California
5
Kathy MacDonald- The Use of Laser Scanning Equipment and 3-D Animation
Software for Exhibition and Research
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Wednesday' June 18, 2003
12:30-1 :30
Lunch
1:30-3:00
Special Session: Larry SpeersServing Museum Specimen Data to
the World: International Standards
and Architectures
Museum: Auditorium
3:00-3:30
Refreshment Break
3:30-5:00
Technical Session
Museum: Auditorium
1
Stephen Williams- Examination of Macroscopic Particles from Dust
Accumulations in Collection Storage Areas
2
James Bryant- IPM Inside and Out: Pest Management as a Strategy for
Improvements in Museum Practices, Museum Facilities and Public
Understanding
3
Jeongheui Lim- Data Collection Methods for Integrated Pest Management:
A Comparison of Direct Daily Observation and Pest Trapping
4
Neil Duncan and Athena LaTocha- What ' s Inside the Building Envelope?
Bugs: A Practical Approach to Managing Pest Control Data
5
7:00-9:30
Banquet
Buddy Holly Center
Buses pick up at hotels/dorm
Th ursday' June 19, 2003
lime
event
location
8:00-9:00
Breakfast
9:00-10:30
Annual Business Meeting
Museum: Auditorium
10:30-11 :00
Refreshment Break
11 :00-12:30
Annual Business Meeting
Museum: AuditOrIum
12:30-1 :30
Lunch
~ ~ /\~ ~.
HU".
3:00-3:30
Refreshment Break
3:30-5:30
Second Council Meeting
Museum: Room TBA
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Workshop: Use of Digital Technology in Museums
Friday- June 20 , 2003
.
time
event
location
7:30-4:30
Registration
7:30-8 :30
Breakfast
Museum: Sculpture Coun
8:30-8:45
Welcome (Richard Monk)
Museum: Auditorium
8:45-9:45
Introduction (Richard Urban)
Museum : Aud.itorium
9:45-10:15
Refreshment Break
10: 15-11 :45
Relational Databases (Pau l Morris)
Museum: Auditorium
II :45-1:00
Lunch
1:00-2:30
On-Line Databases (Brian Bisbee)
Museum: Auditorium
2:30-3 :00
Refreshment Break
3:00-4:30
Legal Issues [ (Simon Owens)
Museum : Auditorium
5:30-6:30
100,000'h Mammal Reception
Saturday: June 21,2003
time
event
location
7:30-10:00
Registration
7:30-8:30
Breakfast
8:30-1 0:00
Digitization Projects (Jim Fox)
Museum: Auditorium
10:00-10:30
Refreshment Break
10:30-12:00
Bar Coding (Richard Monk)
Museum: Auditorium
12:00-1 :00
Lunch
Museu m: Sculpture Court
1:00-2:00
Georeferencing (Reed Beaman)
Museum: Auditorium
2:00-3:00
Distributed Databases and
Applications (John Wieczorek)
Museum: Auditorium
3:00-3:30
Refreshment Break
3:30-5 :00
Legal Issues II (Rina Pantalony)
Museum: Auditorium
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Posters
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Camacho, Neftali and Striley, Darolyn
What is Important is fllfonnation- and We Have Specimens Too!
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Carnes, Terri L. ; Rose, Deborah; Johnson, E ileen; and Baxevanis, Susan E .
From Accession to Storage: Tracking Collections with Bar Codes
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Chandler, Christine L. and Meseke- Wren, Christopher A.
The Numbers Game: Documentation ofa Historical Bird Egg Collection
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Giennakowski, J. Tomasz
lncreasing Data Accuracy in a Regional Collection: InventOlY and
Quantification of Data Errors
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Hollenberg, Linda A. and Russell, George F.
The Tyep Digitization Project at the United States National Herbariulll
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Kern, Francisca; Sutton, David S. ; and Huxley, Robert
Data Entry. An Experimenta l Study into How Long It Takes and Why?
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Molineux, Ann; GlIJlter, Melissa; and Gibbons, Timothy
The Digital Gateway to Museulll Collections
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Mygatt, Jane
New Mexico Rare Plants - A Web-Based Field Guide
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Omura, Kathy
Goats, Gers and Gigabytes: lnfonnation Challenges Facing Museums Today
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Panza, Robin K. and Hamann, Barbara
Effect of Specimens on RelativeHumidity in Storage Cases
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Thel'e Must Be an Easier Way to Do This:
Technology and MOving Collections at "MAl
Arellsleill. Rac/wel Perkins; Magee. Meghan; Merrill. Scaft
The Narianal MuseulII o/rhe AlllericlllI Illdian. SlIIirh.l'olliall Instilulion.
Research Brallch MOl'e Ojfice. 3401 Bl'llckllcr Boulemrd. Bronx. New York 10461
The National Mu cum oftbe American Indian is in the tinal year of the move of its entire collection of
over 800.000 objects from the old research branch in the Bronx. New York to a new, custom·bui lt
torage and research facility in Suitland, Mruylanrl. This talk will give an overview of how technology
played into the decisions made in the planning stages of the move, and how the chosen technology has
changed over the project's four-year span to date. Each of the four departments that make up the
New York Move team (Registration. Conservation. Imaging and CollcctionsfPacking) will be men·
tioned. Several areas where the staff integrated the use of computer and digitaltec1mology into the
move project will be discussed in more depth . Some of this technology greatly expanded our abilities,
while others sped or eased important projects.
The Registration department 's u e of bar code technology to track objects throughout O,e move was
cutting edge at the beginning of tbe move in 1999. The pros and cons of tbe chosen system of bar
code software and scanners wi ll be given. In contrast. the lack of a museum-wide database placed
limitations on otber areas oftbe move. leaving individual departments sucb as RegistTation and Conservation to develop independent databases us ing different programs U,at met each ofUleir departmental needs. The Conservat ion Lab adopted increasi ng u e of digital imaging to increase efficiency
and speed. while fulfilling the profession 's ethical requirements for documenting treatments.
Initial planning for the move process did not include provisions for documenting each object individually. ow. though, it is thought that the individual digital photograph of each object will be one of the
most important long-ternl benefits of the move project. Additionally. O,e use ofdigilal imaging (both
stills and video) has been inunensely imponant in documenting the move process, and the change in
equipment and software used by the Imaging deprutl11ent wiU be presented . Tbe CoUectionsfPacking
department integrated both higb and low-Iech products to facilitate pest and cnvironmcnralmonitoring, as well as to document packing techniques and provide training.
While the talk will focus on the work of the Research Branch in New York, this is on ly half of the
move team, with the other half ofthc work done at NMA I's Cultural Resources Center in Maryland.
TI,e cballenges oflong-distance communication in a multi-site lOstitution will be mentioned. as well as
some solutions including the use of web . ites. e-mail and video conferencing.
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Rachael II rellsTein
21 2-514-3971; arensleilll@si.edll
Oral Presel1r(lliOIl
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Assessin g Environmental Risk at Structurally Enclosed,
III Sitll Paleontological Exhibits
Bel/edict. AI/ita L.
Baylol' University. Mayl 01'11 Musellm Complex. PO Box 97 J54, Waco, Texas 76798-7154
Very liltle information is available on the preservation ofpaJeontological specimens exhibited at structurally enclosed. iI/ sitll sites. Risk assessment methodology was used to pre ellt an approach for
evaluating the environmental conditions (i.e. light, tcmperamre, relative humidity, pollution. and pests)
at these types of exhibits. Risk assessments were conducted a[five sites, selected for similar mammalian fauna and age. Envirorullental conditions and methods for controlling these conditions were
asse sed at the levels of ite. bui lding, specimen, policy and procedure. The risks identified ill the
assessments were then evaluated based upon the impact ofimplementillg corrective actions vcr us the
feasibility of implementation with available reso urces. Th is informati o n was used to make
recol11mendations to assist in the developmenta l pha e of simil ar proposed faci liti es.
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AI/ita Benedict
(254)7 10-4835; AI/ita Bel/edict@bavloud"
Oral Preselllatiol/
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Combining the Old with the New:
How Historic Collections of Native Plant Species and
Modern GIS Software Can Inform Decision-making in the
San Jacinto Mountains, Riverside County, California
Bt}'GI/I, JOllies M, *; Ballol1, MOllica A, *; Russell, Rusly*'
* Riverside MUllicipal Mllseum , 3580 Missioll [1111 Avelllle, Riverside, California 9250[
** Divisioll oj BOlaIlY, National Muselllll o.FNatllral HislDly. SlIIithso/liall IIIStitlltioll,
Washillgto/l, DC 20560
Strategic planning for the new Santa Rosa-San Jacinto Mountains Nationa l Monument has onl y just
begun, Herbarium collect ions can and shou ld be employed as prime resources for the interpretation of
the Monuments combined natural and cultural heritage , The Riverside Municipa l Museum's Clark
Herbarium and the Uni ted States Nat ional Herbariu m have combined G IS teciUlology and historic
data to both interpret the Oora of the Sail Jacintos and provide a potential planlling tool. Us ing specimen locality descriptions from both collections (imported into ArcYiew G IS software) and a base map
from Uni versity ofCalifol11ia - Ri verside, historic planL collecting loca lities are plotted and botanical
data sets embelli shed w ith digital images of specimens and collecting sites, This project illustrates tbe
many ways in which botanical data and related infoll11ation can be presented using today's technology:
as a si mple plant inventory: a SIOlY of changes in the l1 ora; an explanation of why changes in botanical
nomenclature occur; accounts of re-collecting at historic COllecting sites; bu ilding awareness of end angered and threatened species; in brief, tbe value of herbarium specimens as a reco rd of the past and a
resource for tbe future ,
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JOllies M, B/yont
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3,
(909) 816-j273: jIJlyant@ci.riverside,ca,/ls
Oral Presentation
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IPM Inside and Out:
Pest Managemel1t as a Strategy for lmprovemel1ts in
Museum Practices Museum Facilities al1d Public Understanding
BI)'OfII, Jam es M: Sparks, Wend)' A,: SlafJord, CalldiceA.: Bal/oll. Mal/ica A.
Riverside MUI/icipal Museum , 3580 ,"fissiol/ II/n Avenue. River 'ide, Cali/orllia 9250 I
Museum practices limiting destructive collections pests must also ensure that museum staffaod visitors are Dot exposed to bannful chemicals, In past decades, pesticide treatments of collections were
regularly employed at the Riverside Municipal Museum [RMM]. Since 1999. however, RMM staff
have conducted systematic integrated pest management (IPM) procedures - including pheromone trap
monitoring. improved housekeeping, harborage reduction and smdies of pest species ecology - documenting these activities and analyzing their results using compUlerda taba e software, [n 2002, RMM
was awarded a CAL EPA Departmelll of Pesticide Regulation Pesticide Reduction Demonstration
Project Gram the first uch grant ever awarded to a Califomia museum - providing funds for additional staff time and training, plus pe ( monitoring supplies, The funded project has also included
modification of the exterior envirollt11ent of the RMM building, through implementation of a new
landscape de ign. The relandscaping of the facility is intended to minimize incursion by pests from
the surround ing urban envirooment while reducing both exterior pesticide use and dependency upon
landscape irrigation. Carrying Out the landscape project has brought about an extensive partnership
between the museum. other City of Riverside departments, and outside organizations w!-tieh share
imere t in improved urban landscapes, water conservation and reduction in polluted surface water
runoff. An additional project outcome has been improved public awareness oI'lPM. along with better
understanding of the roles played by insects and arthropods of all kinds in bealthy living and working
environments. To date, over 6000 people have participated in RMM public education activities related
to IPM .
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James M. 81J'alll
(909) 826-5273: ibr)'alll fJ,ci,ril'erslde,ca. lIs
Oral Preselllarioll
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Digital Imaging of Invertebrate Fossils
Burkhalter, Rager J
Sam Nable Oklahoma Museum o/Natural History. 2401 Chautauqua.
Norman. Oklahoma 73072-7029
Fossil ulVertebrates are commonly photographed to aid in identification and to archive speciJnen condition. Photographic imaging of fossils has not changed significant ly in several decades with only
minor improvements in film type, fonnat and lenses. In modem museums. digital images offer Ilwnerous advantages over traditional film and negatives for some applications. Numerous museum collections have invested in flat-bed image scanners or film scanners to transfer printed or negative images
to a digital formata time and resource (including persorUlel) intensive process. CWTently availab le
consumer level digital cameras now bave the ability to capture sufficient infonnation (e.g., 4--6
megapixels) to produce high quality images and thus compete with traditional film systems. The
SNOMNH invertebrate paleontology collection assembled a high resolution, medium magnification
(1-25x), digital imaging system from avai lable components at a moderate cost. Our imaging system
paid for itselfin one year from savings in film and film processing costs alone. The advantages include
immediate evaluation of image quality and focus , immediate posting of images to tbe web and image
sharing via email. and rapid composition of publication quality plates. The on ly potential disadvantage
is the future maimenance oftbe digital archi ves on media that go extincl.
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Roger Burkhalter
(405)325-1097: rib@ou. edu
Oral Presentation
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Informa tion Compiled from th e Adair-Steadman Collection
Comprehensive 1\vo-Step Lnventory Aids in Development
of Database Managemen t System
Comes. Terri L.
MuseulII o./Texas Tech UI/iversity. AI/thrnpalogy Divisiol/. Box 43191,
Lubbock. Texas 79409-3 191
The Adair-Steadman Collection, a held-in- trust collection for the State ofTexas. was transferred to the
Museum of Texas Tech University in 1999. n,is assemblage originally was estimated to contai n
15.000 lithic artifacts. 20 boxes ofsedimcnt samples and corings. and 12 linear feet of documentation.
Processing the Collection entailed a two-step inventory to provide an exact count and information
essential for developing an electronic dmabase. The inventory demonstrates lhat collection evaluation
provides crucial infon11ation in deteml ining the actual size. coments. and s ignificance of the Collection
while also defining tbe requirements for proper management. Accumul,lling as much data as possible
is pertinent to the process of database design and development of the database management system.
T he system includes developing relationa l databases, d igita l imagi ng. bar cod ing, and a method of
processing the Collection that includes inventorying, initial cata logiJ1g, labeling, and packaging. Uti lizing the bar code as a link to other liIes and da ta tabl es enables infonna tion to be accessed and u pgraded
simultaneo usly in all other linked records. It also illustrates the importa nt ro le n meticulo us invelllory
plays ill the strugg le curatorial facil ities face to care for incoming collections.
I.
2.
3.
Terri Comes
(806) 42-2479: tcames007@aol.com
Oral Preselltatiol/
20
The Online Tissue Specimen Database of the
Ambrose Monell Cryo Collection (AM-CC) at the
American Museum of Natural History (AMNH)
Cor/llGls, Allgeliqlle'; Breedlove Mark': Hallll er Rober!"
'Americall Museul11 ofNalltral HisfOlY. Nelv York. New York
•• Coriell Ills til/lie for Medical Research, Camdell, New Jersey
In a rime of mass ive species loss, natural history museums arc poised at the forefront of biodiversity
infollnation access, especially concerning biomaterial collections used in modern genetic, genomic and
taxonomic studies. The American Museum of Natmal History (AMNH) launched the Ambrose Monell
Cryo Collection (AM-CCl to help meet the demand for properly documented frozen tissue specimens
required by modern scientific researchers. The Monell Collection maintains an online database (see:
www.research.amnh.org/amcc/), which runs on the MySQL relationa l database management system.
This database allows specimen records in the collection to be located by taxon name or browsed by
taxonomic hierarchy. The database uses a flexible model for storing and displaying extemall inks and
is designed to be able to link out to any otber website without modification ofthe front-end code. The
database contains information on thousands of species and is integrated with the National Center for
Biotechnology Infomlation. This aJlows for AM-CC records with nucleotide sequence accession numbers to link out to cOITesponding pages on the NCBI Genbank and Taxonomy databases. The AM-CC
database also links specimen records to digital images, making for a complete cOlll1ection between
sequence data and the visual identity oftbe specimen examined . Modem bioinfonnatics initiatives will
ultimately link tissue specimen collection records with bibliographic citations, competing taxonomic
detenninations, geospatial referencing infollllation . and much more. TheAM-CC database is capable
of linking out to other resources on the web relevant to the collection, and in the future may makellse
of web services like DiGIR to integrate more completely with other such infonnat'ion providers.
I.
2.
3.
Allgeliqlle Corlhals
(212)4963389: corllwls(ci)alllll h.on:
Oral Presentation
21
The Little Things in Life:
Keeping Track of [tty Bitty Specimens
DeMolllhe. Jeall F
Califomia Academy o/Sciellces. Goldell Gate Park, Sail Francisco, California 94118
Evcry collection manager has encountered odd containers filled WiUI tiny things: the cigar hox full of
ladies' shoe buttons, the canvas sack ofsbark teeth. or ule jelly jar full of tiny pyrite crystals.
Traditional containers such as glass vials. Riker mounts. and well slides till offer some of the best
storage for these items. Modem substitutes include plastic boxes, vials, and bags.
No maner how tiny the pen poim is, there are always specimens too small for individual numbering.
Rather than attempting to mark each item separmely. it is best to co ntain lillie specimens and then
mark the container.
Some small items, Stich as gemstones, can be identi fied tltrough the use of mcticulous measurements.
Even if they become mixed with oUler stones. they can be matched WiUI their records by re·measuring
and weighing.
Datahase fields can be designed to accept ranges of size rather than individual measurement . And
ulere should always be a field for "# in lot" to accommodate multi-specimen lots.
I.
2.
3.
Jellll DeMolllhe
415- 750-7094: jdemolllhe@calacademv.org
Oral Presentatioll
22
Making Labels from Database Files
DeMolllhe. Jeal/ F.
Cali/amiCi Ifcademy o/Sciel/ces. Goldell Gare Park. Sail P'/'lIl/cisco, Cali/ornia 94118
There are a number of ways to create labels using database forms and reports. Data stored in a
relational database can be collected from various tables il1lO label fonTIs. or data can be imported into
databa e programs from spreadsheets for the purpo e of mak ing labels.
The nexible report design capabi lities found in most modem database programs allow one to create
labels that carry exactly the right infollllation, and that will physically lit the space for which they are
intended. Indi vid ual labels can be designed to fit into collection trays. on drawer fronts. inside jars, or
wherever they will be useful. Specia lized labels can be created for unusual containers or microscope
slides.
Old labels can be scanned into the computer. and added to database records. They can be printed
from the computer or photocopied. ifit is important that they be kept with tbe spccimcil. The origiJlal
labe l call then be stored separately. its association with the objects maintained using the accession or
cata log Ilumber. Thi method may be particul arl y important if the older labels are fragi le, or are made
of high-acid paper.
While handwritten and typed labels are still viable aitelllatives. labels generated using data based
information can reduce the amount of time spent on labeling chores. while at tbe same time producing
higb.quality. easi ly-read collection I.abels.
I.
2.
3.
Jean D eMouthe
415-750-7094; jdelllolllhe@Ctllacadellll'.org
Oral Presentation
23
What's Inside the Building Envelope? Bugs:
A Practical Approach to Managing Pest Control Data
DIIIICIlII. Neil',' Krolllhal. Lisa'. Norris. Chris',' Ramus. George' ,'
Arellsleill. Rae/wei Perkills",' CraYlle, Aaroll",' LIIToc!w. Alhella"; Merrill. SCali"
'A mericall Musellm ofNalllralllisIOI:\I. Cel/lm l Park West @ 791h Slreel.
Nell' l'a/'k. Ne ll' lvI''' 10024
"Na lio/llli ,1111,\'£, /1111 of the Americll/l India /l . SmilhsQlTian IrrstilTilioll.
Research BrITllclT MOI'e q[fice. 340 1 BrtTck"er BOlllevard. BrOTLY. Ne1\' lilrk 1046/
The American Museum of Natural History and the Nationa l Museum of the American Lndian are
co llaborating on the continued de velopment of a database program to record and analyze infonnation
collected as part of our Integrated Pest Management programs that monitor co llection storage tor the
presence of pOI enti ally damaging pest .
Ln 2000 AMNI-I fOllr starr members from the Conservation Lab. Dcpartlllenl of Mammalogy and
onstnlction Facilitie Di vision, began working togetherto develop a databa e tbat would allow for
better analysis of pesI rrapping data than had been possible with paper record. The resulting program,
AMI\TH Pest Manager, is a system for storing and mapping the results of pest trapping in collections
areas. Query resullS are displayed graphically on Illuseum noor plans, allowing for easy visual assessment of pest problems in specific areas of the building or co llections.
At approximately the same time, staff members at the New York Move Office of the NMAJ were
planning on updating their systems for organi zing and analyzing pest monitoring data . In an effort to
not reinvent th e wheel. NMA I offered co llaborati ve assistance in exchange for using a trial vers ion of
the database. NMA I staft· helped adaptthc program lor use by a wider audience. and offered their
expert ise with bar coding and scanning to facilitate fast and accurate data entry for the program .
A n overview of the latest version of theAMNH-NMA I Pest M,1I1ager program wi ll be shown dur ing
the presentalion. Practical tips on the prob lems encountered in adapting an off-the-shelf database
program; what data fields are essential to record: trapping and identification of pc t : and how to make
the process less time consu ming, wi ll be g iven. A summary will be given of some of the pe t problems
revealed by the database progra m.
I.
)
3.
Neil Dr/T/corr orrd Allrerra LaTocllll
Comacl Rac/wel Al'errMeirr: 2 11-514-3971; Ill'ell.l'leirrI'Ui.<i.edTi
Oral Pl'eselltaliorr
24
Testing Herbarium Sheets for Mercury at
Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Hamann. Barbara' and Isaac, Bonnie"
'Carnegie Museum oINatural HistOlY. Section oIConservation.
5800 BOIIIII BOlllevard. Piltsbw g h. Penllsl'll'CIllia 15206
"Comegie Museum o/Nall/ral Histo'J', Section o.f'Botany.
4400 Forbes Avenue. Pitlsblllgh. Pennsylvania 152} 3
a 'Neil Research Cellle,:
HerbruiLUll sheets that havc been treated with mercuric chloride can pose a health risk to herbarium
staffif safe work practices are not followed . Because reacted residues of this biocide can produce an
opaque black staining, contaminated sheets are often easy to recognize. However, when the staining is
faint, mottled. and COlltined to small areas of the sheet, it can be difficult to dis tinguish visually from
fungal staining. Although instrumental techn iques can be employed to determine wbetber mercury is
present, thi s kind of analysis is not always an option. Light microscopy for detection ofpigmel1led
hyphae and chemical spot tcsts for mercury compounds can be difficult to interpret without prior
expenence.
A commercial mercury indicator powder was used at Carnegie Museum of Natural Hjstory to detect
the presence of mercury on lightly stained sheets initially thought to have been di sco lored by fungal
activity. The yellow. sulfur-based powdcr was applied directly to the sheets. and in all instances
changed color where the paperwa stained. These results con finned suspicions, raised ill 200 I by the
SEM-EDS detection of mercury on a more severely stained sheet. that a larger problemmigh[ exist in
the CMNH herbariwll. Appropriate handling procedures have been instituted in response to the newly
discovered hazard .
As contaminated sheets are encountered in the collection, their sheet numbers are nagged in the
section's database. Patterns of occurrence are emerging as the specimen accession data are compiled
and compared.
I.
2.
3.
Barbara Hamann
(.J 12)66j-2607: halllGnllb!£iJcal'l1egiemllsewlls.nrg
Oral Presentation
25
Localized vs. Centralized Databases:
One Program's Experiences
HmplwlII. Shirley
Department oj Anthropology, 13-15 H M TOIY Building,
University ojAlberw. Edmonton, Alberta. Canada T6G 2H4
The University of Alberta, Department ofAnthropology, Archaeology program maintains two co llections for teaching and researcb. In the collections' history, 4 different database systems have been
used. The first 2 changes were reactive changes to the changing computer world. The last change was
made as a choice.
11,e Department of Museums and Collections Services at the U of A is a service department mandated
with SUppOlting collections and collection based programs for the thilty-five diverse museums and
collections on campus. When this department decided to SUppOlt one and only one database system,
we were left with choosing to continue with OUI' adequate localized system or changing to a centralized
system to remain compatible and supported. We chose change.
1n our previous experience, it takes at least three years to cbange database systems. As we approach
the three year mark with our new system, we can begin to critique and compare it to the previous
system. Both systems are relational databases and are capable ofhaJldling new multimedia data. Our
localized system had the advantage of being simple and uncluttered, with a customized end-user
design. The new centralized system is not difficult but it is cumbersome and more complicated than
necessary. Because the centralized system uses a limited release off-tbe-sbelf interface, it is more
prone to problems than the large·sca le release locali zed system. We continue to enjoy both financial
and techni ca l support for our centralized system and hope that in the future the strengths of the system
will become more apparent when we undertake web access to collections.
I.
2.
3.
Shirley Harpham
(780)438-6748; shirlev.harpham({/Jualberta. co
Oral Preselltmial!
26
Anthropology and the Web
Johl/son. Rymha
Deliver Museum ofNature and Science. 200 I Colorado Blvd.. Del/vel: Colorado 80205
III the begilll/il/g there was Spider Woman Cllld she illtroduced an amazil/g lIew lechnology to the
People - Spillnillg alld Weaving. And they began to clothe themselves in all ever/llore-elaborate
array of bright~)1 colored textiles ... During the past t1u-ee years, DMNS has initiated several grant
funded imaging projects. The Library/Archives Department completed a catalog for the Web with
photographs from the late 1800's-early 1900's that closely relate to our Plains Tndian collections. Tbe
AntllIopology Department bas used National Park Service grant money for equipment purchase and
temporary help to scan slides to facilitate NAGPRA consultations. A current Colorado Digilizarion
Project grant on the theme ofWestem Trails wi.1I build on previous work and will increase the visibility
of our Anthropology coUections as an important resource for academic research. K-12 studies and
adult continued learning through the COP web site, Heritage Colorado. We plan to digitize images of
2000 objects organized around the theme of Western Trails. focusing on three broad catcgOlies as
follows : Prehistoric Trails: Historic Trails of Exploration, Hunting, Trade & Tourism (Uu-ough tlle
early 1900's); and Ethnic Diversity in Colorado during the last 50 years. This grant project fits witbin
the Department's ongoing plan to digiti ze record slides of artifacts and link them to our database
records, thereby making everyday collections management tasks easier. My presentation will also
focus on the challenges ofprojecL maJJagementwithin an already overfull schedule, training aJld supervision of interns and vollmteers in a highly technical area, metadata control aJld Cumtors, and my own
personal struggle to keep my cllin above the water line in the spreading pool of technology out in the
World .
I.
2.
3.
RYllIha )ohllsoll
303-3 70-6383: rjolll1soll@dmlls. org
Oral Preselllalioll
27
Palm®-Assisted Specimen Tracking System for the
Mammal Collection at the Museum of Texas Tech University
Kageyama, Mariko and MOllk. R. Richard
Museum of Texas Tech
Ul/il'ersilJ~
Box 43191, Lubbock. Texas 79409
The Mammal Collection at the Muscum of Texas Tech University is among the most rapidly grow ing
Recem mammal collect ions in North America. Constant acquisitions to the collection are mainly
comprised of study skins aud skeletal material prepared in tbe field du.ring each collecting expedition,
and thus necessitate a subscquem serie of standard preparation. cataloging, and quarantine procedures at the museum before being installed into the main collection. Our collection staff therefore
routinely deal with hundreds of incoming specimens with difterem provenances at n time. Challenges
facing U,em include inefficiency in keeping the inventory infonllation Cllrrent pertaining to indi vidual
specimens in difterent stages or processing. as well as the lime required for updating multiple data
sheets.
Forthe purpose of alleviating the e exLting problems, we created a Palm ' -assisted specimen tracking
system. It was essential for us to basc its database des ign upon the staff's worki ng knowledge and the
collect ion 's cxisting manual invemory system. In this new database management system, data entry
forms accessed by bar codes are displayed on the handheld computer. The strength of this system is
that it allows the userto efficiently collect and retrieve data. In addition. it is fully cListomized to meet
the collection' particular need and can be readily modified over time and as nceded by those w ho
routinely use tbe handheld tennina!'
I.
2.
3.
Mariko Kageyama
(806) 742-2486: mariko@packrat.mllslll./II1.edll
Ol'al Preselllarioll
28
Re-evaluation of Museum Voucher Specimens
in Modern Scientific Research
Kageyomo, Mariko'; Malik, R. Richard'; Bmllle)', Robert D, "; Bakel; Rubel'! J."
• Mllseum o(Texas Tech University, Box 43191, Lubbock, Texas 79409
., Department oj Biological Sciellces alld Muse/lI11 q(Texas Tech University,
Box 43131, Lllbbock. Texas 79409
Natmaillistory collections have played an important role in archiving biological and geological diversity of the Earth for several centuries. Voucher specimens reside at the root of the scientific infollllation drawn out of these archives. Voucher specimens have served as supporting evidence and reference for scholarly publications. upon which our understanding of the natural world is collectively
fomllllated. In addition. voucher provide a buge reservoir of research material allowing for funher
scientific investigations through the maximal use of those in-house nanlfal resources and their associated data. Conversely, studies lacking voucher spec imens, voucbers not properly housed in museums,
and papers based on such specimen are all vu lnerab le, and of limited scientific value, within the
robust framework of evidence-based nanln" science.
We re-evaluate voucher specimens in the modern resea rcb context. and discuss th e signifi cance of
natura l histOlY museluns wherein they are preserved in perpetuity: what is a vouc her specimen, and
why do we have a responsibi lity to archive vouchcr pccimens io muse LUll collections? We also
address the issue of the changing concept of voucher specimens in a broader sense with specia l
reference to nontraditional specimens which many museums have struggled to collect, preserve.
and make available to d,e public, including those utilized in molecular studies. The museWll and
research cOlllmunities should be reciprocal in this review process with both giving recognition to
voucher specimens as having immense cicntilic va lue.
1.
2.
3.
Mariko KageyamCi
(806)742-2486; mariko@pacJ.TGT.IIIl/slll.l/lI.edu
Oral PreselltaTioll
29
Parylene Coating Entomological Specimens as a
Possible Preservation Technique
Lewis. SlIzal/l/e" al/d Bil::. Malcolm""
'rh e Nalllral History Mllsellm, LOl/dol/
"rhe Cal/adian COllservation Institllte
Thin films ofparylene have successfully been used in a range of disciplines, some of which have been
for the preservation of'delicate and va luab le artifacts, e.g. papers from the Titanic. Our investi gation
is further development of work already carried out with parylene in conservation. The purpose of our
study was to detenninc wbether parylene coating entomological specimens is an effective and realistic
way of indefi nitely preserving these specimens without co mpromising the morphological characters
that are critical for taxonomic research. It was hoped that coating a range of insect specimens with
parylene wou ld strengthen tllem, protect them ITom envi ronmental conditions that cause deterioration
w ithout obscuring or altering morphological features that are necessary for the identification of the
specimen without inhibiting the extraction of 0 A.
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2.
3.
SlI::allll e Lewis & Malcolm Bil::
02079425 779: S.Lell';s@l/hm.ac.lIk
Oral Presel/tatian
30
Data CoUection Methods for Integrated Pest Management:
A Comparison of Direct Daily Obsel'vation and Pest Trappi ng
Lilli. Jeollghel/i: MOllk. R. Richard: Ladkill. Nid)':
Chl/Ilg, illII Sill/II Susie: Cakelldolpilel: JOllies
MuseulII afTexas Tech VI/il·ersit' ·. Box 43191. LI/bbock. Texas 79409
Pest monitoring is an important part of any Integrated Pest Managemenl program. The most common
method of monitoring is by pest trapping stations (or sticky traps). However. until Septemberof2002,
pest monitoring in the NSRL, Museum of Texas Tech University, consisted only of dai ly observation
of the entire building (Monk et al.. 2002). These observations were recorded on a ODor plan and
included information such as location, type, number, life stage, alld starus of pest observed. The data
recorded were subsequently entered into FoxPro database developed specifica lly for this purpose.
However, Lhere were some problems with direct daily observation including difficulty in taking the
observa tions every day. Also, many tiny inveltebrate species could be overl ooked because of their
small size.
In order to determine the relative effectiveness of daily observation and tbe morc common ly used pest
trappi ng stations (sticky u'aps), conCUlTcnt tests were conducted to compare the resu lts of the two
methods. Beginning iLl October 2002, insect traps were set at 67 locations in the NSR.L. These were
co ll ected and replaced at regular interva ls for 7 months. During the same time period, direct daily
observations were also performed. The results of this comparison are, basically. thai the data agree
genera lly, bUI some smaller invertebrates are best seen in the traps. Conversely, direct observation
g ives a better understanding (menta l image) o \'the actual locatiolls of invertebrates widlin the building.
FUl1hcr discussion oftbis comparative srudy will be presented.
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2.
3.
Jeonghel/i Lim
(806) 742-2486: jh/im68@lw/JIwil.l'OlII
Oral Presentation
31
The Use of Laser Scanning Equipment and
3-D Animation Software for Exhibition and Research
MacDonald. Katlll:vn* and McQllilkin. Kyle"
'Mllsellm of Texas Tech University. Box 43191. Lubbock. Texas 79409
**Arl Department. Texas Tech University, Box 42081, Lubbock. Texas 79409
In the growing age of technology, museums ane! other researcb institutions are investigating tbe uses of
vi rtual images in the study and preservation of their objects. In the realm of museum research, digitized images are easier to manipulate than the large or fixed items they may represent and their use
reduces the need to band Ie and potentially haml valuable originals. Alternately, in the area of museum
education, animation is a good way to illfonn the public by helping them visualize things that have no
parallel innatme, such as extinct creatures.
Tills project sought to produce a cost-effective, time saving model by utilizing available hardware and
oftware that promised to enhance output while shortening production time. A surface laser scanner
captured point cloud data Ii'Dln several pterosaurs, which was converted into three-dimensional poIygonalmeshes for modeling and animation. Creation of an inverse kinematic (lK) chain allowed for
range of motion limitations to be applied ulereby facilitating manipulation for detailed study.
While the technique offers a promising alternative to expensive CT scans and potentially damaging
stylus digitizers, one must consider the size limitations of the equipment, access to hardware and
software, and the learning curve before selecting the meulOd appropriate to the project. In the end,lhis
technology affords the opportunity for attractive in-house ex.bibits, saved in the format of choice,
specitic to institlltionalresearch.
1.
2.
3.
Kalht)'11 MaeDo/wld* alld Kyle McQuilkin"
*(806) 773-91 j I,' k9kam:1'@llOtlllail.colll
**( 06j78j-j403,' krlelllc{Juil@aol.colII
Oral Preselltatioll
32
A History of Collection Data Capture at
The Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia
Macklin. James A.
Academy of NO/llral Sciences. 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
The Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia, founded in 181 2. is the oldest continuously operating natural histOlY museum in North America. The large and diverse collections have been accumulating since the earl y 19th century. T heir differing legacies of curation and research activity bave a direct
relationship on the amount and spec i ficity of data capture of collection objects that has been achieved
to date. In collections where hand written (or typed) cata logues or index cards exist, digital data capture
has been rapid. but essential cross-referencing and error checking with their source objects is time
consumin g and often has yet to be accom pli shed. Data from co llecti ons that lack paper records take
longer to digitize. but offer an opportuni ty to customize the database SlrUCntre and front end to better
control sources of error. CurrentJ y. collection data attbe Academy is stored on several platfonns us ing
closed-source cllstom, proprietary and nonproprietary databases. These databases vary [rom simple
flat files to compl ex relational sets. The time commitment to build code and mi grate data to adhere to
emerg ing complex biological standards is restri cti ve. Thus a simplistic po licy of atomization of data as
practical, and incorporating relationships and data dictionaries to minimize capture errors is appropriate. Semi-open proprieiary DBM S software (Microsoft Access. FileMaker) have a flexible environment allowing custom front ends to be generated to maximize efficiency of capture of each collection's
unique data. Examples of the history of data capntre for major coll ections at ANSP are g iven for
Botany, Entomology, Herpetology. Ichthyology, Malacology, Ma111111010gy, 0111ithol ogy and Rotifers.
I.
2.
3.
James A. Macklin
215-405-5088: macklill(@acna/sci.arr,:
Oral Preselltation
33
Decontamination Processes and Their Effects on Proteins,
CeUulose and Other Materials Found in Museum ColJections
Marte, Femando; Solazzo. Carolille; von Endt, David;
Erhardt, David; TUlllosa, Charles S,
SlIIithsonian CenterJor Materials Research and Education, Suitland, Maryland 20746
Biological and chemical hazards are often mitigated by treatments with potent oJlidizing agents. Tbe
recommended surface chemical treatments include solutions, gels, and foams of oxidizing agents such
as peroxides or chlorine blcaching agents. Although these decontamination metbods are effective, the
objects treated are susceptible to damage. Knowing how these reagents affect valious substrates belps
to anticipate and minimize any potential damage. This phase of the study examines the effects on
typical proteinaceous and cellu losic museum materials of three reagents: hydrogen peroxide, sodium
hypocillorite and potassium pcroxymonosulfate. Samples of processed animal skins, wool, and si Lk
along with the cellulosics cotton and paper were exposed to tbese reagents. III addition, papers and
inks used in the documentation of specimens were also studied. Generally, the treatments yellowed
samples, but effects varied with both the substrate and the tested reagent. Sodium hypochlorite has the
most pronounced effect on proteins, For example it dissolves hide glue rapidly. Amino acid and gas
chromatographic anaLyses have shown tbat tbe amino acid proportions are affected by the treatments.
Some of the amino acids, e,g. cysteine and methionine, have totally disappeared, presumably through
oJlidation to other compounds. So far, the observed changes are generally less drastic than might have
been expected. However, the changes in both the proteins and paper (inks as well) are significant and
any remediation tecbnique using oxid izi ng reagents will undoubtedly lead to damage.
I.
2.
3.
Marie. Fernando
Contaci David von Elldl: 301-238-3700. ext J26; vOllelJdld@sclllre.si.edu
Oral Presenta/ion
34
Further Studies on the Stability of
Natural History Specimens in Fluid Storage
Marte, Fernando; So lar~o, Caroline; I'on Endt, David;
Erhardt, David; Tnm osa, Charles S.
Smithsonian Cell/erJar /vIaterials Research and Education, Suitland. /vIw Jlland 20 746
The collections in natural histo ry museums provide a repository of cbemicaLand morphological information abo ut the world 's biology and geology. These materials were collected with a wide variety of
purposes and the preservati on of these specimens must be ensured. The deterioration of present
collections must be assessed in order to develop future preservation strategies. The liquid storage
medi a from the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natura l History were sampled and studied. The
samples were analyzed for amino acids as well as lipids and fatty acids. Previous data indicated that
fatty acids, lost fro m the preserved specimens, were found in the torage media, and tbattlle ratio of
palmitic and stearic acids indicated an anomalous process. A.mino acid analys is profiles sbowed that
peptides and amino acids were being leached out as well , with the protiles describing a general protein
loss, but the high glycine and alanine content indicates the loss of strucrural proteins. Data shows thai
the 70% ethanol storage media is a better preservative than 50% iso-propanol and that keratins are
more stabl e in these media than collagens. Deterioration studies on individua l proteins in fluid s were
proj ected to predict that etbanol can preserve them about fi ve times longer than can propanol. Weare
also usi ng bird egg shell to validate ol1rprevious data, and to separate the effects of fluid and temperature on proteiJl deteri oration. Eggshell can be considered a closed cbemical system tbat all ows retention of deterioration products as we ll as the altered statting materi al. A.dditional baseline studies are
continuing.
1.
2.
3.
David VO II Endt
301-238-3700 ext 126; I'O nelldtd@Sclllre.si. edu
Oral Presentation
35
19'10 Century Collections Meet 21" Century Technology
Molinellx. Ann"; Du/eou. David""; Skelton. Christina"',' Zacl/Os. Louis'
' Texas Memorial MuseulII. University a/Texas. Allstill. Texas 787 12
,.Jacksoll School o/Geosciellces. Ulliversiry a/ Texas. Allstin. Texas 78712
,., Sr Stephens School. AIIStill . Texas
Management of a large non-vel1ebrate paleontology collection with limited fuJ Itime stafi' is addressed
by incorporating an integrated spatial Geographic InfonJlation System of the repository with the digital
database of the specimens. Digital maps orthe repository Linked to digital records of specimens witilin
each cabinet enable rapid location of spec ific items required for research. exhibit, loan, or for conservation treatment.
Accurate geography of the collection facilitates quicker assimilation of students and vo lunteers on
whom the MUSellL11 must rel y for assistance. Furthermore. by Linking locatioll to specimen (and its
data) those enviro nmentally susceptible and critically important specimens can be pinpointed and
relocated to less hosti le or more secure zones within tbe repository.
Similar mapping techniques applicd to specimen collecti on field localities are enabling us to real ize
loca lities that no longer ex ist because of urban development. lakes or other geographic changes to the
original landscape.
I.
2.
3.
Ann Molinellx
2. (512)232-5384: (/I1/lIl1 @lI1l1il.lItexas.edll
3. Oral Presentation
36
Tradeoffs in the Design of Databases
for Natural History Informatics
Morris, Palll1.
The Academy afNarllml Sciellces, 1900 Bell Franklill Parlnvay.
Philadelphia, Pellmylvallia 19103
Natural history collections inronnatioD is highly complex. Detailed infonnation models fur collections
data include on the order of 100 entities. At The Academy or Natural Sciences, some 30 sets of
infomlation related to collec tions range in complexity from flat tiles to re lationa l databases with 50+
tab les. Moving these data throug h the database life cyc le involves repl icating tab le structures in new
DBMS software, migrating data. and coding new front ends for day to day collections management
tasks. Given plentiful resources. high ly nonnal ized table stTuctures and a client server architecture
with extensive business rules built into the back end (as stored procedures and triggers) is clearly the
best approach to data stewardship , However, in the limited resources environment of most co ll ections, increased complexity has its own risks. Placing comp lex infonnation in one or a few tables
aJlows easy migration to a new DBMS of the same complexity and easy coding ofa new front end. but
over time creates a high probability thaI the data will turn to garbage. A large and complex table
structure is also straightfolward to mi grate to a new DBMS, but adds the large cost of wri ting a new
front· cnd to access tJle data. 1suggest that tJ1C appropriate approac h for limited resources is to aim for
data structures of moderate complexity. nonna lizing only where essential (e.g. one collection object
can have an identification history of many identifications). Effective long teml data stewardship calls
for a rew core tables linked to multiple dictionary tables.
I.
2.
3.
Palll1. Morris
215-299- 1161: m()le@morris.llel
Oral Presellwlioll
37
Risk Assessment of Collections on Exhibit at
the Canadian Museum of Nature
Mllelhillg, Gamel and Graham, Fiona
Canadian Museum ojNatllre - Naruml Heri/age Building,
PO. Box 3443. Station D. at/alii", Olllario, Canada. KIP 6P4
The Canadian Museum of Nature has been emp loying a Risk Assessment approach to preventive
conservation for over 10 years. This approach was developed with the goal of identifying and quantifying the most severe risks to collection material in order to effectively allocate resources towards
mitigating those risks. The most recent collection risk assessment focused on collection material on
exhibit at the museum's Victoria Memorial Museum Building to identify priorities to consider during
planning for an upcoming majorrenovation project at that facility. Specific risks were considered to 21
collection units consisting of 1498 specimens, resulting in the 7 highest priority risks being identified as
light and UV radiation, pest infestation, fire causing smoke damage, physical forces, dust accumu lation, theft and water damage. OUler general considerations with high overall importance were documentation and relative humidity. The results of the assessment wi ll serve as documentation ofconditions over the past 30 years and belp staff make infonned decisions in their efforts to provide an
improved exhibit environment to extend the exhibit lifeofspecimens.
I.
2.
3.
Garnet Muething
(613)364-4098; 'l'lIIlethill r:@llIIls-lIa/ure.ca
Oral preselltatioll
38
Digital Specimens:
New Views from the Texas Memorial Museum and DigiMorph.org
Owen. Pam ela R.
Vertebrale Paleonlology Laborato/);. Texas Mellloria l MllseulII,
The Ull iversity o/ Texas 01 A IISlill. 10100 Bllmet Rd. Bldg. 6. A IISlill. Texas 78758
The hi gh-reso lution computed tomographic (HRXCT) scanner at The Uni versity of Texas at Austin is
a powerful tool that prov ides nondestructive visuali zation o f natural hi story specimens. Unli ke
diagnostic medica l scanners, this industrial-grade scanner provides higher resolution and better penetration of dense materials including fossils and rock samples. Specimens that are too valuabl e for
mechanica l sectioning or destructi ve analys is have yielded fine detail s of internal structure, complementio g more traditi onal descriptions of extemal morphology. HRXCT data are used to create
animations (including those of seri al CT sections and 3 D vo lumetric images) for sc ientific analys is
and web-delivery. as well as printing of physical models of the specimens.
The Texas Memorial Museum (TMM ) is a sponsor of the NSF-funded Digital Morphology proj ect
and co-producer of the on line library of natural hi story spec imens (Di giM or:ph.org). TMM is one of
more than 30 insti tuti ons that have contributed to this unique venue fo r the dissemination of digita l
bi ologica l data. Thi s collaborati on has prov ided the TM M witb the opPOltunity to present more than
20 speci mens from its co llections, ranging from the skulls ofa new fossil crocodyliform, adult gray
wo lf. and an opossum growth series. to a wbole Texas homed lizard. Advances in digital technologies
and onl ine access to specimens for museum staff, research scienti sts, educators, aDd the general public
serve [Q open a di alogue among all patties and facili tate primary research as well as increased care,
value, and respect fo r natu ra l history coll ections.
I.
2.
Palllela R. Owe17
(512)232-5514: pOlVen@lIIail. lllexas.edll
3.
Oml Presenralioll
39
Websites on a Shoestring:
Good, Cheap Collection Data Publishing
PelltchejJ. N. Deall alld
Wel~el:
Regilla
Marine Biodiversity Processing Celltel~ Natural HislDlY Museum of Los Angeles COUlIly.
900 Erpositioll Blvd.. Los Allgeles. California 90007
The value of a collection comes from the infonnation it comains. For that va lue to be realized,
specialists must be ab le to discover and explore the co llection holdings. Hence we are under pressure
to make collection data available on the Web.
Broadly speaking, there are two approaches to building a collection data website: conunercial software
(e.g. Microso ft Windows and SQL Server, liS, ASP, Cold Fus ion, Oracle, etc.) and free (or open
source) softwarc (e.g. Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP, Mason, etc.). Commercial software is expensive (for both licenses and required hardware) but promises well-designed solutions that need littl e
expertise. Free software has no software costs and low hardware requirements, but has the intimidating reputation of requiring wizardly expertise.
The promises of commercial software are often illusory. The functionality may be inappropriate for
publishing collection data, and it does in fact requiTe substantial technical eXpet1ise. Free software, in
contrast, is designed by user/programmers to get the job done well. By avoiding the high initial cost of
commercial software, free software encourages the creation of web sites without baving 10 request
fundi ng first. Building a web site using free software requires developing some expertise, justas with
commercial software. However, there is now a thri ving industry devoted to providing high quality
documentation snpporting free software.
At the Marine Biodiversity Processing Center ofthe NHMLAC, we have used free software to create
several co llection-oriented web sites. We believe this approac h is a good model for getting coll ection
data out onto the Web.
J.
N. Deall PelllchejI
J.
3.
2 J3-763-3386: deoIl2@biol.sc.edll
ami PreSelllalioll
40
Adopting a Database Standard:
Easier Said than Done
Rabelel: Richard K.
University of Michigan Herbarilllll. 3600 Varsit)' Drive.
Ann Arbor. Michigan 48108-2287
While the University of Michigan Herbarium has been involved in specimen data basing since the mid
I 970s, the efforts have been quite varied in both structure and quality. In September 2002, in a desire
to both stimulate and organize our collection of digitizarion efforts with the eventual goal ofa significant Web presence. the lnterim Director of the Herbarium convened a committee to investigate adopting a database standard tor the Herbarium collection. After that report was presented and accepted.
a econd comminee was formed to recommend ho\V the extant specimen-ba cd databases would
eveutually be merged into the selected database.
While the program election will Ukely differ in other museum collections, there should always be a
decision-making process leading to the choice. I will focus on the initial goals and assumptions of our
plans, the present state of the process, and summarize several important problems that have ari sen,
both in implementing the plan and involving data entry standards.
I.
2.
3.
Ricl/(/rd K. Rabeler
(734)615-6200; rabeler@lIll1ich.edll
Oral Presel/({//ioll
4t
Adopting a Database Standard:
Easier Said than Done
Rabelel; Richard K.
University oJMichigan Herbarium. 3600 Varsity Drive,
AI/n ArbOl; Michigan 48108-2287
While the University of Michigan Herbarium has been invo lved in specimen data basing since tbe mid
1970s, the effoI1s have been quite varied in both structure and quality. In September 2002, in a desire
to both stimulate and organize our co llection of digitization effoI1s with the eventual goal of a significant Web presence, the Interim Director oftbe Herbarium convened a committee to investigate adopting a database standard for the Herbarium collection. After that report was presented and accepted,
a second comm ittee was formed to recommend how the extant specimen-based databases would
eventually be merged into the selected database.
While the program selection wi ll likely differ in other museum collections, there should always be a
decision-making process leading to the choice. I will focus on the initial goals and assumptions of our
plans, the present state of the process, and summarize several important problems that have arisen,
botb in implementing the plan and involving data entry standards.
1.
2.
3.
Richard K. Rabeler
(734)6 15-6200: rabeler@llInich.edu
Oral Presentatiol/
41
Advanced Tools for Environmental Monitoring and Analysis
Sellllett. Kimber(I' L.; Reil(l'. James; Zillll. Ed
Rochester I/ls ri/llfe oj Techl/olog;\ Im age Permanence !I/stitl/te.
Frank E. Gallilelf BlIildi/lg. 70 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochestel; New York 14623
For the past fiv e years tl,e Image Permanence lnstitllte has extensively researched and successfully
developed new tools for the envirorullental analysis of collection storage and display areas for libraries,
archives. and mllseums. This research was funded witll grants from the National Endowment fo r tbe
Il umanitics and the Instintte of Museum and Library Services. For the past two and a half years JPI
has field tested these tools at 180 cultural institutions across the United States, eighl ofwbich were
nalmal hi lory museums. These " lools" consi I of an advanced data logger called the Preservation
Environment Monitor (pEM ) and an environmental analysi software program called Climate Notebook '. The PEM was developed specifically Witll preservation in mind and incorporates the Preservation Index (PI , rate ofn3IUrai aging) and the Time Weigh ted Preservation Index (TWP I. rale of natural
aging overtime). two preservation ana lysis algorithms developed by IPI. The PEM gathers temperatllre and relative humidity data and computes bOlh thePI and TWPI for the area being monilored. The
data gathered by the PEM is imported into Climate Notebook for ana lysis. Climate Notebook also
accepts data fro m several od,er types of data loggers. so it is easi ly incorporated into previollsly
establi bed preservation initiatives. The software uses the data from the loggers to analyze the risk of
the environmenta lly induced fonns of decay- chemica l, biological and mechanical- on organic materials in the co llection. With Climate Notebook, co llection managers and conservators are ab le to organize the data from their loggers. track and anulyze the collections enviroDl11enLS, interpret the effects
the environment has on their objects. and clearly present important infonnation quickly.
I.
2.
(585)475-2302; klsvplz @rit.edll
3.
Oral Presentation
Kimber/y Sel/nell
42
Serving Museum Specimen Data to the World:
International Standards and Architectures
Speers. Larry'; Vieglais. Dave"; Hill, John'"
*GBIF Secretariat. Universilelsparken 15, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
*. Un iversity ofKansas. 1345 JayhalVk Blvd. 66044 Lawrence Kansas
'*'NB Il, Texas
GBIF, the Global Biodiversity lnfonnation Facility (www.gbif.org), was established in 200 I to take
on a task that is unique among international organizations: To make it possible for policy- and
decision-makers, research scientists and the general public-worldwide-to elecrronically access the
world's suppl y of primary scientific data on biodiversity. The majority of primary data on biodiversity
are found in the world's natural history collections, associated libraries and increasingly in various
observational databases, but these data are largely not accessible either because they are not digitized or they are in proprietary inaccessible formats. Over the last year, GBlF, through partnerships
with many national and iutemational organizations and broad community consultations, has developed recommended standards and architectures for sharing Natural History collections data using
distributed lntemet technologies. Over the next year GBlF will be working to implement tbis Global network through collaboration with national nodes and international organizations. This presentation will introduce the GB1F recommended standards and architecture for sharing Natural History
Collections data. In the United States, GBTF is represented by the National Biodiversity [nfonnation
fJlfrastructure (NBIl). Topics to be introduced will include DARWIN core standards, ABeD XML
schema and DiGlR technologies.
I.
2.
3.
Lal'l)' Speers
+4535321475: Lspeers@GBIFORG
Oral Presentation
43
From Spider Webs to the World Wide WebUsing the Web to Communicate the Content of our Collections
and Prioritize our Activities
Striley, Darol)'11 alld Camacho, Neflali
Marill e Siodil 'ersity Processillg Cell lei; Mllsel/l/l oj Nalllral /-liStOI)I,
Los Allgeles COIIIII)" 900 Expositioll Sh ,d" Los Allgeles, Calijol'llia 90007
Science is about to stop doing business as usual. Our web-based system removes barriers to commuIlicmion at various levels, Our reliance on the Web to find and retrieve infonnation is increasing daily,
It is only narural that this technology has become woven into the fi eld of co ll ection management.
Communication at every level- among collections care staff, collections managers and curators, administrators, and scientisis at other institutions- is improved with systems tor collection management
that readily fac il itate human interactions by making collection infonnation availab le on demand ,
Our MBPC website helps us manage daily acti vities and prioriti es, and its use as an organizationa l tool
ultimately leads to dramatic improvement oC the curation ofeollections, Sharing tl,ese milestones with
others is bliss, The Web is part of a lii' future, and at the MBP the future is now,
I,
],
3.
DarolYII So-i/ey
(213) 763-3386: dsrrilel'@lIhlll.org
Oral Preselltatioll
44
-----------~------------------------------------
Rapunzel's Locks:
Letting Our Hair Down through the Internet and Encouraging Access
to the Collections in the GSC's Ivory Tower!
Twelkel; Suzanne
Geological Survey of Canada (Calgary),
3303 33St NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2L 2A 7
The Geological Survey of Canada has been collecting geological samples since the late 1800's. The
technology to manage the documentation, access and control of the collections has been paper based
for the majority of this time. In recent years the offices of the Survey have been blended the use of
various software packages to varying extents in the management of their individual collections. The
Survey is now in the process of designing and implementing a single, standardized database management system for all offices across the country. This system will provide a means to collect data,
manage the collections and provide client access through a single portal on the web. The intent is to
bring the collections from the Ivory Tower (or out of the basement l ) into the field of active, dynamic
research. By increasing the availability of the collections to research, we hope to enhance the quality
and quantity of research that is available through the collections. As Rapunzel herself experienced, we
expect plenty of bad hair days but our Knights in Shining Annour will be the researchers who assist
in identifying and detangling the knots in the system!
I.
2.
3.
Suzanne Twelker
(403)292-7067; stwelker@nrcan.gc.ca
Oral Presentation
ROM Digital - The Quest for Standards
Waddington. Jan e" and Scorsone, Jovanna"
Departments of' Palaeobiology and" New Media Resources.
Royal Ontario MtlSeUII1, 100 Queen~' Park. Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 2C6
The Royal O nta rio Museum (ROM ) has used a succession of electronic cataloguing systems since the
late I 960s. the largest of whi ch was the Canad ian Heritage Info n113ti on Network (C HIN ). Upon
leaving CHIN in 1995. Ule ROM migrated the data into 15 individual databases (Humani ties and
Natural Sciences) with in MS Access v2.0 as a temporary solution until a proper collections management system could be implemented. What remains is a system that is severely challenged by emergi ng
techno logy. Of greater concern is that with increasing demands the system has become unstable,
jeopardizing the integrity of the data. An upgrade or the implementation of an entirely new system is
now w13voidable.
While a solution is investigated, the essential work of preparing our data for migration has begun. A
lack of consistent cataloguing guidelines. due in pal1 to inadequate resources (both financial and human), has resulted in many disparate and attimes idiosyncratic ways of interpreting fields inherited
from C H1 N. Through a process of consu ltati on with departmenta l users and in vesti gation of intern ational standards, work is currentl y underway to develop standards and mapping to rationalize tlle
co ll ections databases.
With "ROM Digital", Ule museum has committed itself to using web techno logy to increase public
access to its coll ections a nd research. This initiati ve provides an added incentive to rati onalize the
collections infomlalion in a way that ensures iOleroperability and the security of our co llections dara.
With the inevitable challenges associated with tbe transition l]-om traditional to digital processes. comes
a potential for increased access tbat cannot be ignored.
I.
2.
3.
Jail er WaddingtOIl
(416) 586-5593; j(/lIerw@rolll.on.ca
Oral Presentation
45
Shipping Specimens and Compliance With Dangerous Goods Regulations
Walski, Frallk L.
Natiollal Muselllll of Natllral His/OIY, Smithsolliall IIIS/itlifioll,
10111 & ConstirutiOIl Ave" N. /¥., Washillg/on, DC 20560
The shipping of specimens preserved in alcobol, f'o rmalin and otber chemica ls are regulated by both
domestic and lnternationaf regulations. These regulat ions can be found in 49 CFR, Code of Federal
Regulations. Furthermore. when shipping specimens to a foreign CO UDtry by aircraft, additional requirements are contained ill the lnternational Air Transport Association guidebook. These regulations
also apply to specimens carried in luggage and as carry-on's on passenger aircraft.
These regulations cover how a specimen s hou ld be packed. what type of container may be used.
quamity limits, and which labels need to be app lied to eacb package. They also cover what documentation must be created. These regulations cover any volume of chemicals Ii ted in U,e Hazardous
Materials Table.
Everyone in the paclcillg and shipping process must have undergone special training. These regulations
are enforced by the Department ofTrallsportation and any violations of these regul ati ons can result in
large tines.
Currently, the majority of research institutions ship these materials through the United States Postal
Service. This is in violation ofpostal regulations. There are other altematives for shipping these specimens. Carriers such as FedEx can be used. There are ways to bold down the cost such as shipping
under the "excepted quantity" ruling. This enables the shipper to use a sturdy box. relieve dlem of
the documentation and most labeling requirements. For larger shipments containing preservatives, a
UN certified box must be used as well as all appropriate labels and documentation.
After having taken the appropriate training, shippers and packers will have the knowledge to properly
identify and ship specimens in preservatives and other cbemicals.
I.
Frank Walski
2.
(202)357-1969: wolskiFank@lIlIJllh.si.edll
3.
Oral PreSellltltioll
46
Examination of Macroscopic Particles from
Dust Accumulations in Collection StOJ'age Areas
Williams, Slepilen L.
Departmellt oIMuselllll Sludies, Baylor Un iversity, Waco. Texas 76798,7154
The dirt from the floor of a collection storage area is examined to determine its usefu lness in understanding collection conditions and practices. Accumulated floor debris is separated into di fferent groups
based on particle size. The larger-sized particle groups are subjected to mac roscopic examination for
material iden~fi cati on . All particle-size groups are subjected to analyses to detennine moisture absorption potential, as we ll as the proportion of ferrous material , soluble proteins, and organic material
present in the samp le. This study demonstrates the usefulness of analyzing dust and debris in collection storage areas for evaluating practices. Also, the stud y provides fresh perspectives about dust and
debri s ill tenns of pest management, the nature of particulate matter in collections, and human health
concerns.
1.
2.
3.
Stephen Williams
254-7J 0-6614: steve lVilliams@bavIO/:edll
Oral Presentation
47
Planning the Future Workforce of Natural Science Research Collections:
A Review of Graduate Academic Programs in the United States
Williams. Stephen L. * and Gelloways, Hugh H
**
* Depal'iment o/Museum Studies. Bay lor Universiry,
Waco, Texas 76798-7154
** Miiselllll SlIIdies Progralll. University o/Nebraska-Lincolll,
Lillcoill. Nebraska 68588-0514
Selected literature and Internet websites are used to idenrify uni versities that are able to provide
graduate academic degrees having rele vancy to the management and care of natural science research
collections. Thirteen uni versities with degree programs not dedicated totally to the arts or hwnanity
fields are selected for closer evaluation. By analyzing the courses offered in museology and the natural
sciences at each university, eight uni versities are identified as curremly being in a position to provide
some level of education and training needed by the future workforce of natural science research
collections. However, only three universities stand Ollt as being in the best position to serve most ofthe
academic needs for the entire natural science field. The ramificat ions of this sinlation are ofparticlliar
interest, and recommendations are provided to help address the future staffing challenges facing these
collections.
I.
2.
3.
Srephen Williams
]j4-710-6614; steve williallls@bavlor:edu
Oral Preselltarioll
48
Laser-Printed Labels in Wet CoUections:
Are They Holding Up?
Zala. Krista and Wel:el: D" Regilla
Narl/ral HistolJI Museum o/Los Angeles COl/lily, 900 Erpositioll Blvd.
Los Angeles. California 90007
Biological specimens are accompanied by a printed label detailing their collection and curari on information. Deterioration of specimen labels can render specimens scientifically valueless. Since this
problem has threatened many wet-preserved collections. knowing which label preparation techniques
will withstand lengthy iOIDlersion in common preservatives is criticaLly important. Historically. writing
in pencil or India illk on cotton rag-based paper produced the most durable labels, with many lasting
for centuries. However, this approach is time-consumiJlg and not amenable to producing mUltiple
copies oflabels. Laser-printing technology greatly increases labe l production rates, but its durability
on various label papers has not been thoroughly tested. Since laser printing entails heat-fusing a layer
of powdered "ink" to paper, the lettering binds to paper types with differing tenacity. While pOStprinting treatment of labels (e.g., microwave beating, slllface coatulg) might improve the letters'
durability, immersing laser-prulted labels in preservative so lutions might compromi se the ink 's tenacity, as many collections managers have discovered firsthand.
We are addressing this challenge with an experimental design using laser-printed samples that were
prepared 14 years ago on a variety of papers and preserved in either ethano l or formalin. Additional
treatment include microwave bealing and Krylon-coaling. The degree of adhesion oftbe beat-fused
ink to rhe paper, as measured by the letters' rub resistance after soaking, determines a baseline for the
papers and treatmenls used and the merit of laser-printed labels.
I.
2.
3.
Krisra lelia
(213) 763.3477; kzala@nllln.ar~
Oral Presentation
49
What Is Important Is InformationAnd We Have Specimens Too!
Camacho. Neflali and Slriley, DarolYII
Nawral HislOI:v Museum 0.( Los Angeles COLI/Ity. 900 E'posiliol7 Blvd..
Los Angeles. Cal!fol'llia 90007
Communicating the information contained in our collections is necessary to keep the natural history
Oluseum of the 21 " century relevant. Web-based collection information systems are effective and
reliable tools that can dramatically increase the dissemination of important infonnation about our
collections. Our web-based system comOlunicates the importance of collections by focusing on data
availability and not limiting itself to the physicaL presence of the specimen in the collection. Documentation, hence, becomes a key factor for the co llections.
Docwnenting biodiversity, making data pertaining to specimellS publicly available, and making locality
and enviromnental infoOllation available to everyone are just a few concepts that our system addresses. Why tra vel hundreds of miles to visit a collection when you can access information from
your nearest computer? Wby not actually see what you want to study before you arrive at that
institution All of this is possible without waiting for return phone ca lls or e-mail replies. The web is
changing the way scientists are conducting their business their search for information, the integration
of multiple disciplines, and the exchange of ideas.
I.
2.
3.
Neflali Camacho
(2 13) 763-3386: ncamacl!o@lIhm.orfJ
Posler Preselllalioll
50
From Accession to Stouge:
Tracking Collections with Bar Codes
Cames. Terri L.*; Rose. Deborah-*; Johnson. Eileen* ; Baxevanis. Susan E.' Museum of Texas Tech University. Anthropology Division. Box 43191.
Lubbock. Texas 79409-3191
-* Kenlllcky Historical Sociery. 100 West Broad\llay.
Fralllfort. Kellll/cky 40601 - 1931
The Antluopology Division of the Museum of Texas Tech University is incorporating bar coding as
standard practice with collections to improve collection management and access. Bar coding is a
linking tool thaI connects objects to collection. location, and documentation infonnarion, lending itself
as an innovative way of providing easy and swift access. In this way, objects or collect ions can be
tracked during relocation due 10 moving, loans. exhibition, research. or progranulling. The use of bar
codes limits risk to objects. boxes. or documents with a reduction in handling. Utilizing the bar code
as a link 10 other files and data tables enables infomlation to be accessed and upgraded simultaneous ly
in all other linked records. Current and accurate information throughout the data management activities of a curalorial facility occurs with a reduction in data entry errors and staff time. All data about a
bar-coded object are accessed tluougb the Museum-wide network, including accession, cataloging,
inventory, loan, and exh ibit infomlation. The ways a bar code can be used to track objects from
arrival al a curatoria l facility, entrance in the database. processing, to installation inlo collections storage are presented.
I.
2.
3.
Terri Cal'lles
(806)742-2479; tcames007@aol. colII
Poster Preselllmioll
51
The Numbers Game:
Documentation of a Historical Bird Egg Collection
Chandlel: Christine L.' and Meseke-Wren, Christopher A,"
* PUll1am Museum 0/ HistDlY and Natural Science,
1717 W 12th St"
Davenport, Iowa 52804
'-Dept, o/Biology, Clarke College, 1550 Clarke DI:,
Dubuque, 10IVa 52001
A number of recent publications have dealt with collection storage issues. However, this aspect of
collection preservation is not the oilly one that needs to be addressed. A collection's associated documentation often proves to be as important as the specimens themselves, and therefore, high priority
must be placed on its preservation as well, The physical preservation of specimen information is
nonnallya straightforward task, However, a less tangible aspect of specimen documentation invo lves
making sense oflhe information at band. Older collections are particularly susceptible to this "loss of
sense," In such instances, the documentati.on process may evolve into something along the lines ofa
historical research project. A preliminary investigation into the bistorical practices associated with
particular types of collections may be extremely useful in deciphering and enhancing tbe available
collection infonnation. An oology collection dating to the mid- and late J 800s is used as an example of
this approach.
I,
2,
3,
Christine Chandler
(563)324-1054 ext, 226;
Postel' Presentation
cI({[ndlel @pll tl1 am,or~
52
Increasing Data Accuracy in a Regional Collection:
Inventory and Quantification of Data Errors
Giermakowski, J. Tomasz
Museum ofSolll/l1vestern Biology, MSC03 2020, Ulliversity of New Mexico,
Albuquerqlle, New Mexico 87131-0001
In January 2003, the Museum of Southwestern Biology's Division ofAmphibians and Reptiles initiated an in entory of its holdings to improve the accuracy of data associated with each specimen. To
achieve Olis goal, specimens. written catalogue entries, and specimen and jar label are all crosschecked
to ensure that species designations match and tbat these designations reflect current taxonomy. Verifications and corrections are subsequently transferred to Biota. the database program used to maneuver
the originaJ unverified and unedited data from wrinen catalogue ledgers. The taxonomic determination
history and documentation of changes are also maintained in the database. Thu far, over 8500 specimens have been examined at an average rate of 18.7 specimens per person-hour. Ba ed on the specimcns processed to date. J repon on the statistics that show various errors and omi ssions encountered
as a result of poor data transcription at different stages ofaecessioning and cataloguing the speci mens.
While a comprehensive inventOlY is most likely suitable onl y for small and mcdium-sized collections
because of the amount of labor, the process can s ignificantly reduce the amount· of error in data
associated with specimens and. at times. considerably increase the quality and amount ofinfoffilation
available. As a future direction, I discuss potential applications ofGlS and mobile computing in data
quality management
I.
Tom Giermakoll'ski
2.
(505) 277-5130: IOlIIos!!i)/lI/III.ed/l
3.
Postel' Presentation
53
The Type Digitization Project at the United States National Herbarium
Hollenberg. Linda A. and Russell, George F.
Botany Section, National MuseulIl ofNatural HistOIY, Smithsonian Institution,
PO. Box 37012, Washington. DC 20013-7012
In 200 I, the U.S. National Herbarium initiated a project to produce high-resolution digital images of
the specimens in the type collection . The creation of these images reflects a commitment to improve
acce s to critical biological specimens for researchers arowld tl,e world. Images are now available for
approximately 35,000 oftlle 95,000+type specimens. fligh-resolution (14-1 8MB) images arearchived
as TLF files, while derivative JPEG files are available for viewing on the web by following the links
from tl,e Botany Home Page at ht!;p:llwww.nmnh.si.edulbotanyl. images are linked to the type specimen database by use of a bar code number that is unique to each specimen sheet.
The Type Digitization Project has focused on higher plant and fem type specimens, with types being
sent on loan having the highest priority. Otber criteria considered when selecting specimens to be
digitized include types that are part of spec ial projects, or all of the types of a particular plant family.
Because oflbeir special requirements, protocols are being developed that will allow digitizing ofbryopbyte and iichen type speci mens in the near future . Three-dimensional views of bulky fruits and other
large parts, plus close-ups of critical diagnostic features are also among upcoming plans. in addition.
the multimedia catalog. KE Emu, will link images and data on the web in the very near future.
I.
2.
3.
Linda Hollenberg
(202)357-2537: IlOlIenberg.linda@lIl11l1i1. si.edu
Poster Presentation
54
Data Entry. An Experimental Study into Bow Long it Takes and Why?
Kern. Francisca: Sill/Oil. David s.: Huxley, Robert
Deparlmelll ofB OWII); The Nalllral HistDlY Mllselllll, Cromwell Road
LOlldoll SIY75BD, UK
An experimental system bas been designed, bui lt and tested to obtain quantifiable information for the
process of specimen data entry. An object·oriented design was used to quantify and audit each user
interaction including data entered and&nbsp: time taken in milliseconds); time was also measured for
data interpretation prior to keyboarding. Four main questions asked of specimen databases have been
addressed in design and analysis: what (the identification process), where, who and when (the co lleclion process). Specimen variables recorded include Ule major plant group, handwrili ng and language;
user categories include system specia list, group specialist and untrained volunteer. Three protoco ls
were developed to test system design variables: e.g. manual (full keyboarding s imilar to flat·file systems). lnitiaJ statistical analysis has been carried out with the intention of usi ng the results to improve
system design.
I.
2.
Rob Hllxley
442079425118: I:hllxlev@lIhlll.ac.uk
3.
Poster Presef1tation
55
The Digital Gateway to Museum Collections
Mo!illeux, AIIII': GUlltel: M elissa"; Gibbons, Timothy'"
* Texas Memorial MllseulII, Ulliversity o/Texas, Austill, Texas 787 J2
** 8701 West Parmel: Allstill, Texas 78729
*.* JacksOIl School o.FGeosciellces,
Ulliversity o/Texas, Austill, Texas 78712
The Texas Memorial Museum has developed an interactive CDROM to expose tbe tektite and meteorite collection, and to place those specimens within the context of related impact sites and current
scientific research. The project was designed to attract middl e and high school students and let them
explore this extraterrestrial connection. Emphasis is on Texas resources, impact sites, meteOlites
and tektites. A virmal tour through the meteorite collection of the TMM is balanced witb worldwide
coverage where relevant to avoid a parochial treatment of the topic. Scientists from all branches of
meteoritical sciences were involved, provi ding relevant, up-to-date, and stimulating vignettes for
the user
Multimedia program, Director, was used to compile the CD. The major emphasis upon question
and answer format stimulates the user. Wherever feasible specimen images are original and include
Quicktime(QT) and QTVR versions. lmpact models incl.ude an original one regenerating Ule Odessa
crater. Other movies in the public domain further enhance the subject matter. Related materials include references and web links, and a large glossary which can be addressed as you read, or can be
held as an open file beside the movie.
Online versions of the database of tektites and meteorites are cunently being tested, aod will be made
available through the web portal which also provides access to segments of the CD. The beta version
oftbe CD, distributed to a group of educators and researcbers, ror accuracy cbeck and genera l feed·
back, received a positive reception . This project is part of several developments in which the TMM is
making its collections available for research and education in digital format.
1.
2.
3.
Al1l1ll>folillellx
(5 J2)232-5384: al1l1l11@moil.uiexas.edll
Poster Presentation and Demonstmlion
56
New Mexico Rare Plants- A Web-Based Field Guide
1\1)lgall, Jan e
The UNM HerbariulIl, Museum of SOl/rhweslem Biology,
Deparlmelll of Biology, The University ofNell' M exico, Albuquerque. New Mexico 87 131
The University orNew Mexico Herbarium (UNM) houses and maintains a web-based field guide to
the rare plants of New Mexico. The New Mexico Rare Plant Technical Council (NMRPTC), an adhoc group of volunteer botanists who donate their time and expertise on rare plants, recognized tbe
need for an updated field guide to NM rare plant identification and conservation. With a minimum of
funds, the NM RPTC developed an internet version ofa rare plant field g uide witb infonnation on the
basic biology and conservation status of New Mexico's approximately 185 rare plants. Photograpbs,
line drawings, and distribution maps accompany the written reports. The website provides botanists, land managers, conservation organi zations, and private consultants with the most Cllrrcnt and
accurate infornlation avail able for rare plants in New Mexico.
J.
2.
3.
Jane Myga/l
(505)277-378 J; jlllvr:atl@ul1l11.edu
Postel' Presentation and Demonstration
57
Goats. Gers and Gigabytes:
Information Challenges Facing Museums Today
0111 lira, Kalhy
Nalural HislOIY MuseU/II oj Los Allgeles COUllly. 900 Exposition Blvd. ,
Los Angeles. California 90007
Too often co llections are curated and cata loged, with tbeir supporting documentation filed away on a
shelf or desktop Pc. It seems counterprod uctive not to bave easy access to the wea lth of infonnation accompanying eacb collection or exped iti on. Readily available background documentation as
well as taxonomic infonnation is what wi ll make our collections valuable and useful to researchers,
students and laypersons worldwide.
Constructing a website that will query a database and di splay all the images from an expedition or
collection would address issues of accessibility and allow for the dissemination ofinfonnation. Such
a website was created for the NHMLAC Mongolia Exped ition 2002.
In August of2002, three of our crustacean researchers had a unique opportunity to conduct fieldwork
in sonth-central Mongolia. Their pl;m8lY focu s was to collect freshwater branch.iopods and associated
invel1ebrates for molecular and morphological systematic studies. The website provides a list ofthose
invertebrates discovered, as wel l as physical and cultural information related to field sites (e.g., saljnity, temperature. vegetation). Digital images (700+) augment Held notes and present a more comprehensive picture of the environment sampled, and a map tracing the expedition's route displays all
collecting localities. A keyword search may be used for quick retrieval of taxonomic infonnation.
From the "land of no fences" to your computer, the Mongolia Expedition 2002 website (http://
collections.nhm.org/mongolia) documents site conditions and samp le infonnation and allows anyone
to experience south-central Mongolia from the comfort of their annchair.
I.
2.
3.
Kalhy Olllllra
(213) 763-3386; kOlllllra@lIhlll.org
Poster Presentation alld DemOllslralioll
58
Effect of Specimens on Relative Humidity in Storage Cases
Panza, Robin K. and Hamann. Barbara
Carnegie Muselllll oINatllral HistOlY, 4400 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh. Pennsy lvania 15213
Texts on natural history conservation discuss the importance of maintaining environmental factors
such as relative humidity (RH) within certain bounds, if not at constant levels. While some information on the effects offluctuating or inappropriate levels ofRH on natural history materials is avallable,
less is published about the effects of the specimens on Ule surrounding RH . Dataloggers have been
monitoring temperature and relative and absolute humidity in specimen storage cases and the room
housing them. The results show unexpected air exchange between the cases and the room. The levels
of relati ve and absolute humidity inside an empty spec imen case follow the tluctuating room levels,
with a s light time lag and moderate damping. However, the presence of wood drawers or bird specimens creates a spectacular buffering of humidity with.in cases. The fact tl,at the specimens themselves
seem to be gaining and losing moisture to produce a constant humidity inside tbe storage case, is a
potential cause for concern .
J.
2.
3.
Robin K Panza
(412)622-3255; pa!1zar@cal'l7egiemllsewlls.org
Poster Presentation
59
Index to Autbors
Arenstein. Rachael Perkins ........... 15. 24
Baker, Robert J.. ................................. 29
Ballon, M olliea A. ....... .................. I 7, 18
Baxevani s, Susan E...... .. ...... .... .... ...... 5 1
Benedicl,An.ita L................................ 16
Bilz, MalcoLm ................. ............ ........ 30
Bradley. Robert D..................... ......... 29
Breedlove. Mark ................................. 2 1
Bryant, James M.......................... 17. I 8
Burkhalter, Roger J............................. 19
Camacho. Neftal; ......................... .4·t 50
Carnes, Terri L. ............................ 20. 51
Chandler. Christine L. ......................... 52
Chung, Yun Shun Susie ...................... 3 1
CokendoLpher, James .......................... 3 1
CorthaLs, Angelique .... ......................... 21
Crayne. Aaron ................ ...... .. ........... . 24
DeMouthe, Jean F. ....................... 22, 23
Dutea u, David .................................... 36
Duncan, Neil ......... ....., ........ ., .............. 24
Erhardt, David .............................. 34, 35
Genoways. Hugh H ........................... .48
Gibbons, Timothy ........................... .... 56
Giennakowski, J. Tomasz .................. 53
Graham. Fiona .................................... 38
Gunter, McHssa ................................... 56
Hamann. Barbara ......................... 25, 59
Hanner. Robert ................................... 2 1
Harpham, Shirley ................. ............... 26
Hill . John ............................................ 43
Hollenberg, Linda A... ......................... 54
Huxl ey. Roben .................................... 55
Isaac, Bonnie .......... .......... .......... ........ 25
Johnson, Eileen ................................... 5 1
Johnson, Ry11lha ................................. 27
Kagcyama. Marileo ....................... 28, 29
Kern , Fransisca ... ................... ., .......... . 55
Kronthal, Lisa ..................................... 24
Ladkin. Nicky ..................................... 3 1
LaTocha, Athena .......... ....., ............. ... 24
Lewis. Suzanne ............... ... ............... . 30
Lim. Jeongheui ........................ ., ......... 3 1
MacDonald, Kathryn .................. ., ...... 32
Macklin. James A......... ...................... 33
Magee, Meghan .. .... ...... ...., ..... .... ...... .. 15
Marte, Fernando ..... .................. ... . 34, 35
McQuilkin, Kyle ................................. 32
Men'itt, Scott .., .... ...................... ... 15, 24
Meseke-Wren, Christopher A .... ......... 52
Monk. R. R.ichard .................. 28, 29. 3 1
Molineux, Aim .............................. 36. 56
Morris, Paul J..................... ........ ........ 37
Muethmg, Gamet ................ ., .............. 38
Mygatt. Jane ......................., ............... 57
Norris. Chris ............. .......................... 24
Omura. Kathy ................... ., ................ 58
Owen. Pamela R................................ 39
Panza, Robin K. ............ ...... ....... ., ...... 59
Pentcheff, N. Dean .. ............ ............. .. 40
Rabel er, Richard K............................. 41
Ramos, George ........ ...... .................... . 24
Reilly, James ................................ ....... 42
Rose, Deborah .................................... 51
Russell. George F. ............................... 54
Russell. Rusty ..................................... 17
Scorsone, Jovanna ............................. .45
SeLmetr, Kimberly L. .......................... 42
Skelton, Christina ............................... 36
Solazzo, Caroline ................ ....... .,. 34. 35
Sparks, Wendy A..................... ........... 18
Speers. Larry ..................................... .43
Stafford, Candice A . ........................... 18
SlriLey, DarolYl1 ............................ .44. 50
Sutton, David S. ......... ., ................... ... 55
'fumosa, Charle S .. ... ......... ..... .... 34, 35
Vieglais, Dave .................................... .43
von Endt:, David ........................... 34, 35
Waddington, Janet ............. ................. 45
Walski. Frank L. ................................. 46
Wetzer, Regina ....... ...................... .40, 49
Williams, Stephen L. .................... .47. 48
Zachos. Louis ....................... .............. 36
Zala, Krista ......................................... 49
Zinn, Ed .............................................. 42
'1.....e 1i<<1< S
60
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18th Annual Meeting - The Society for the Preservation of Natural

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