data sharing

[Margaret & Charles Baker]

>Who are the "non-scientific" users who desire collection data on
>the web?

        Michael, You asked who might use the data.

        We probably qualify as very active, "non-scientific"
        users and may be among the most consistent users of
        some on-line databases. We probably average at least
        one access a day.

>Which data do they desire, and to what end will they use it?

        We use plant and flower descriptions and the following
        types of collection information. Habitat location and
        elevation, habitat type, collection date, and whatever
        synonymy we can find. Collection location information
        is extremely valuable, especially when plants have been
        split and lumped repeatedly until no-one is sure which
        plant lives where.

        We are not taxonomists (don't pretend to be). We do not
        do true systematic or taxonomic work, but when we add
        meteorological and cultural information, we make a
        great deal of "scientific" information very usable
        by hobby growers, botanical gardens, or anyone trying
        to keep a particular plant alive.

>Will these users lend their voice to the support of collections after
>the investment is made to place this data on-line, or will the users
>remain anonymous and the source uncredited?

        We are happy to add our voices to support the maintenance
        of on-line databases as well as library and herbaria
        collections. We are most supportive of those that are
        helpful and treat our work with a modicum of respect for
        doing what it is designed for instead of condescension.
        These tend to be university and research librarians, who
        have made available some of the esoteric botanical
        publications we need. The original description is often
        the latest and/or only information available about a plant.
        In one instance, we needed the original description from
        a 100+ year old periodical that was available only at the
        MOBOT library. The pages had never been cut. If similar
        collections are to be available in the future, it is
        essential that users acknowledge and credit their value.

        Our sources are _always_ credited. I've sent notes of
        appreciation to many of the on-line database managers
        thanking them and their institution for access to data.
        The notes are sent as a general thank you, and in the
        hope that they would be added to a file or passed along
        to help support budget requests or as an indication
        of public interest. This is true of any data base not
        just botanical sites. One of the sites we use several
        times a week is GEONET, the Defense Mapping agency
        directory of place names. It has been immensely helpful,
        especially when we need to find a collection location
        cited by a 'geographically challenged' botanist. ;-)

>I believe that identifying users and the uses of data is desirable
>prior to structuring a system for disseminating that data, and
>before deciding which data to include (a specimen contains more data
>than the text on its label).

        Our use certainly does not justify designing a database to
        suit our needs. However, when information is available it
        will be used. On the other hand, if information is hidden
        and insiders are the only ones who know it even exists, it
        is extremely difficult to get support from anyone aside
        from other insiders--who probably have their own needs and
        agendas.

        Several years ago, during a similar discussion, it was
        suggested that "sensitive" material be made available only
        on request. That seems like an extremely time consuming
        way to do it. At the time I had no reason to object to
        that approach, but since that discussion, we put our very
        simple orchid pollination database on-line.

        The messages I receive that say, "It isn't on your database,
        but do you have..." are some of the most annoying. I can't
        conceive of anyone designing a database that would illicit
        similar queries.

        Margaret Baker

        To those who may wonder, No -- we don't make money on the
        data. Highly specialized publications are seldom profitable,
        especially for the author. Our cost to do what we do
        seriously impacts our retirement income.



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The Genus Paphiopedilum - Natural History & Cultivation
          Part 1 of 3.  ISBN 0-9665337-0-4
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