Workshops

Organizer(s):John Waller, Laura Russell (GBIF)

Abstract: This workshop will introduce participants to GBIF’s new experimental structured feedback system: rule-based annotations. This approach enables GBIF users to create custom "rules" for assessing and improving data quality. A rule is a combination of geographic, taxonomic, and temporal information that facilitates data cleaning or analysis.

For example: Rule → Lions in Greenland are suspicious. During the workshop, participants will learn to create their own rules for annotating occurrence data. They will also have the opportunity to provide feedback to GBIF, contributing to the improvement of the rule-making system and user experience. Proposed Outcomes: Improved annotation tools based on participant feedback, a collection of practical rules for cleaning and enriching biodiversity data, and enhanced understanding of rule-based annotations among participants. Resources:

• Pilot web tool: https://labs.gbif.org/annotations/iframe.html?args=&id=tools-annotations--standalone-example&taxonKey=1427007&view=RULES&viewMode=story
• Further reading: https://techdocs.gbif-uat.org/en/tools/rule-based-annotations

Attendee Requirements: Personal computer

Attendance cap: 20

Length: Half Day

Organizer(s) Matthew Mers (USU Eastern Prehistoric Museum)

Abstract: Make your collections catalog accessible online in a matter of hours. Collections accessibility is more important than ever, allowing researchers to find what they need.  This workshop will present a no-cost method for taking a collections catalog CSV and making it searchable on a website. Attendees will be walked through the process (with a paper guide) using their own catalog CSV and will leave with a publicly accessible catalog. This process is ideal for small institutions that lack the funds and resources for more advanced or traditional solutions. Attendees should bring a laptop and a copy of their collections CSV (exported from their database in field column format). If time permits, attendees can bring images of specimens/objects (named as the catalog number) for adding images. Basic computer and web browser knowledge is required.

Attendee Requirements: Personal computer and collections CSV export

Attendance cap: 30

Length: Half day

Organizer(s): Katie Pearson, Jenn Yost, Lindsay Walker (Symbiota)

Abstract:Symbiota (https://symbiota.org/) is a popular collection management and aggregator software used by over 1000 collections to actively digitize and manage their natural history specimen data in over 60 online data portals. Symbiota portals are designed to be user friendly for all levels of experience, and as such, the complexity of the underlying data structure may sometimes be “hidden” from the user’s view. In this workshop, we will provide a deeper dive into key elements of the Symbiota database structure to demystify why certain tools function the way that they do. Proposed topics include: taxonomic thesaurus, geographic thesaurus, associated identifiers, indexing of people names, and more. Prospective participants are encouraged to vote for topics of interest discussed at this workshop via GitHub (https://github.com/BioKIC/symbiota-docs/discussions/680) or email us ideas at help@symbiota.org.

Attendee Requirements: Personal computer

Venue requirements: Classroom or grouped tables; preference for smaller room to facilitate discussion rather than auditorium or presenting room, projector, Wi-Fi, power outlets, extension cords

Attendance cap: 30

Length: Half day

Title: Creating Extended Specimen Networks: Strategies, Best Practices, and Collaborative Development

Organizer(s): Mare Nazaire (CalBG), Ana Niño (BRIT), Sara Dave (CalBG), Jason Best (BRIT), Krishna Shenoy (BRIT), Sam Ekberg (BRIT)

Abstract:This half-day collaborative workshop is aimed at providing collections professionals with resources, tools, and strategies to develop Extended Specimen Networks (ESNs): physical collections and digital resources linked through interconnected database networks to facilitate research potential. The first half of the workshop will comprise short presentations and demonstrations centered on curation and data management strategies in ESN development; linkage creation across platforms; applications of ESNs in research; and challenges with creating and maintaining an ESN when modern data collection is increasingly born digital. In the second half of the workshop guided group discussions and breakout sessions will cover such topics as: creating effective cross-disciplinary collaborations; challenges in ESN development; language and data standards across collections and platforms; ESN-informed collecting methods; accessibility and visibility; network longevity; and working with aggregators to develop and maintain ESN linkages. 

Attendee Requirements: Personal computer

Venue requirements: Classroom style with ability for attendees to participate in breakout sessions, projector, Wi-Fi, power outlets, extension cords

Attendance cap: 30

Length: Half day

Organizer(s):Moe Flannery, Martha Velez, Shalina Peterson, Cricket Raspet (California Academy of Sciences)

Abstract: This comprehensive workshop will offer an overview of avian anatomy and museum preparation techniques, combining theoretical knowledge with practical hands-on experience. The core of the workshop will focus on the art of skeletonizing bird specimens using humanely euthanized European Starlings. Under the instructors’ guidance, attendees will take data and measurements, remove soft tissues and prepare complete bird skeletons, gaining an understanding of avian structure and the skeletal preparation process. The workshop will also introduce museum preparation techniques, such as tissue sampling and data collection, critical for preserving specimens for future scientific research and education. Participants will learn the protocols and procedures for handling fragile bones, preventing degradation and ensuring the long-term integrity of skeletal specimens. This includes methods for cleaning, labeling and properly storing skeletons, as well as understanding the importance of accurate documentation. The workshop will provide all participants with a bird specimen, dissection tools and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). PPE requirements for working in the BSL-2 lab include closed toe shoes, no food or drink in the lab, use of nitrile gloves, and clothing sufficient to cover skin that may be exposed to specimen fluids. Participants are encouraged to bring their own dissection tools if desired.

Attendee Requirements: Personal computer

Attendance cap: 20

Length: Half day

Organizer(s):Heru Handika, Andre Moncrieff, Eryn Woernley (Louisiana State University)

Abstract: This workshop will introduce participants to NAHPU (https://www.nahpu.app/), an open, free, and cross-platform application designed to collect and manage avian and mammalian specimen data in the field. We developed NAHPU to handle complex fieldwork with large numbers of specimen parts and easily link specimens to digital media such as specimen and habitat photographs. The app eliminates secondary data entry required when using paper catalogs and effectively limits data entry errors. Participants will learn to use NAHPU's standard data entry features to manage specimen measurements, tissue information, site data, relevant derivative data, and field notes. The workshop will also introduce participants to other features, such as barcode scanning, real-time record statistics, Universal Unique Identifiers, collaborative projects, and various exports and data backup features. We will then demonstrate how to print final specimen tags and prepare NAHPU data for submission to a museum database, such as Specify. Lastly, we will discuss plans for NAHPU development, including optimization for other vertebrate groups, and leave time for feedback and discussion.

Attendee Requirements: Personal computer or tablet

Attendance cap: 20

Length: Half day

Organizer(s):Jacki Whisenant (University of Wisconsin-Madison)

Abstract: Illustration has been an integral part of scientific inquiry for hundreds of years, from highly technical renderings of specimen plates to accessible zines and comics explaining biological concepts. We lay out several general techniques to approach illustration using museum specimens, work through a series of exploration exercises, and discuss ways to bring illustration workshops to your institution. This type of unique public outreach opportunity can reach new audiences and bring them into the sphere of natural history collections in a way that is approachable and engaging. All levels of art experience are welcome - bring your questions!

Attendee Requirements: None. Materials will be supplied

Attendance cap: 20

Length: Half day

Organizer(s): Laurence Bénichou (Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle, Paris), Donat Agosti (Plazi, Switzerland)

Abstract: The research results based on Natural History Institutions are available in the continually growing corpus of scientific publications normally kept in the institution's inhouse library. As each institution has a specific collection focus, so are their libraries.  None of them are covering all the publications. In the digital age, this access barrier can be overcome by sharing access, and at the same time providing semantic access to the facts included in the publications. Though this conversion is a daunting task addressed by the Disentis Roadmap, changing to semantic publishing would delete this bottleneck. The workshop aims to raise awareness of the benefits and opportunities of semantic publishing in biodiversity literature. It will present the latest developments in the scientific publishing industry and more specifically how to publish semantically enhanced and linked publications. Different existing workflows on how to publish articles with biodiversity-related data and how to link them to improve biodiversity knowledge will be presented. We will demonstrate how the exciting new semantic publishing tools developed in semantic publishing can benefit the Natural history institutions to valorize their collections and enable them to build their research strategies. At the end of the workshop, a discussion with the audience will sketch out how this can contribute to address the current biodiversity crisis and to the enrichment of knowledge.

Attendee Requirements: Personal computer

Attendance cap: 30

Length: Half day

Organizer(s):Theresa Miller, Grant Fitzsimmons (Specify Collection Consortium)

Abstract: Specify is excited to offer a two-day workshop, May 31-June 1, 2025, for our users as part of the SPNHC meeting. Specify is an extremely robust and adaptable system.  It enables users to customize Specify for their collection’s needs, which makes workflows more efficient and user friendly.  However, with great adaptability comes great complexity.  This workshop is intended for current Specify users to get to know the system and its capabilities better so they can leverage their Specify instance to its fullest. The first day of the workshop will cover intermediate topics and the second day will address more complex topics.  Both days are intended for Specify users who have been using Specify and are already familiar with the basics such as the database schema, setup options, basic data entry and querying, etc. If you plan on attending, please fill out this form so we can plan appropriately!

Attendee Requirements: Personal computer

Attendance cap: 30

Length: Two days

Organizer(s):John Kunze (Drexel University Metadata Research Center)

Abstract: This interactive tutorial workshop introduces ARK (Archival Resource Key) persistent identifiers. As non-paywalled PIDs (persistent identifiers, permalinks) for information objects of any kind, ARKs support durable web addresses (e.g., that don’t return 404 Page Not Found). Persistent links are especially important for protecting our investment in the linked data. Since 2001, 8.2 billion ARKs have been created by over 1450 organizations — libraries, data centers, archives, museums, publishers, government agencies, and vendors. With highly flexible metadata, citation-friendly ARKs identify anything digital, physical, or abstract. Important use cases include ARKs for physical samples and for millions of items at the Smithsonian Institution. The tutorial includes hands-on experience and is for anyone interested in PIDs supporting nuanced persistence policies.

Topics covered:
- Why ARKs – non-paywalled, decentralized, flexible
- Use cases – Smithsonian, French National Library, Internet Archive
- Metadata for early and ongoing object development
- Metadata for persistence
- Minting and assigning ARK identifiers
- Creating and resolving metadata vocabulary
- Resolvers, resolution, redirection
- Persistence considerations

The session will be hands-on practice. The format will include presenter-led instruction, discussion questions, and hands-on experience in ARK organization registration, as well as metadata term creation and resolution.

Attendee Requirements: Personal computer

Attendance cap: none

Length: Half day

Organizer(s):Lukasz Bratasz (Polish Academy of Sciences)

Abstract: A rational strategy for controlling microclimatic conditions in museums, libraries or archives requires an understanding of the relationship between the magnitude of a threat and the damage caused. To support the international community of museum and conservation professionals in assessing the safety of display and storage conditions for collections, a digital decision-supporting platform HERIe has been developed to provide remote access to quantitative assessment of risks to heritage assets. The platform contains modules corresponding to the environmental agents of deterioration: air pollutants, light, incorrect temperature, or relative humidity as well as modules allowing estimation of the magnitude of fire risk. Risks from environmental conditions in a space in which an object is displayed or stored are assessed by analyzing data uploaded by the user. The effect of moving an object from one environment to another, a frequent problem when loans for exhibitions are made, can be also assessed. The software, the first of its kind in the world, has been made freely available on the internet at herie.pl to anyone involved in the preservation of collections. Since 2014, the HERIe platform has been developed under the framework of several projects funded by the European Commission and the Getty Conservation Institute.

After a brief introduction to the platform, participants will work in groups on hands-on exercises:

- Automatic ASHRAE classification and reporting

- Showcase tool – incorrect RH

- Impact tool – rooms + Showcase tool – contaminants

- Light damage calculator

- Mechanical damage tool

- Fire risk tool

- Chemical degradation tool

The participants will be divided into 5-6 groups working independently at separate tables

Attendee Requirements: Personal computer

Attendance cap: 20

Length: Full Day