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Abstract Detail

Systematics

The Marshall University Herbarium: A model for engaging student curators in small herbarium digitization efforts.

Digitization efforts are now well underway by the SouthEast Regional Network of Expertise and Collections (SERNEC) with support from an NSF-TCN entitled “Key to the cabinets: Building and Sustaining a Research Database for a Global Biodiversity Hotspot.” This multi-state collaborative is providing opportunities to not only draw on student labor as a way to facilitate efforts to mobilize herbarium data, but to also provide a unique job-training environment for students interested in museum informatics. In the first 1.5 years of the SERNEC TCN, Marshall University herbarium (MUHW), a collection of approximately 50,000 vascular plant specimens, has trained nearly 20 students in the digitization of herbarium specimens, beginning as early as freshman year. In addition to working with student employees and biology Independent Study students, we have successfully partnered with the Federal Work Study program to supplement limited resources and faculty curatorial time. Retention of students for multiple years has permitted us to establish best practices and robust, error-reducing protocols for digitization efforts and to provide a work experience for students that results in transferrable professional skills. Our students have not only participated actively in photography and other technical aspects of the project, but they have also been instrumental in managing the project, including workflow and protocol development. Our organizational model 1) fully acknowledges the strengths and training needs of students, 2) meets the need for faculty to document their effort in the form of student benefits, 3) addresses the need to be creative in an increasingly budget-limited environment, 4) reduces the need for direct PI oversight, and 5) provides students with strong management and peer-training skills while facilitating rapid completion of this important collaborative research effort. This model demonstrates that students at all levels can and should be included as equal partners in our emerging and continuing biodiversity informatics efforts.

1 - Marshall University, Biological Sciences, 1700 3rd Avenue, Huntington, WV, 25755, USA

Keywords:
herbarium
Digitization
SERNEC-TCN
Students.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 47, Systematic Methods, Herbarium Digitization & Floristics
Location: 203/Savannah International Trade and Convention Center
Date: Wednesday, August 3rd, 2016
Time: 4:00 PM
Number: 47010
Abstract ID:457
Candidate for Awards:None