Fwd: NPS 'Data Mining'

[Peter Rauch]

On Thu, 5 Dec 2002, Michael Vincent wrote:
> Dear TAXACOM subscribers:
> I have received the following message (with an attachment of
> guildelines) from the National Park Service, requesting that I
> send information to them about specimens collected in NPS
> boundaries.  ...

Michael, The message is quite clear that it is seeking ONLY
EXISTING DIGITAL RECORDS. See the excerpts below [EMPHASIS
mine]; only the last paragraph fails to mention "digital".

It seems --from your other posting to Taxacom-- that your later
exchange with S. Slough opened up a bag of worms that clearly
stepped beyond the intent of the "Greetings" letter excerpted
below.

 Peter

> _____________________________________________________________
> >Greetings,
> >
> ... The NPS is
> >conducting a nationwide search for DIGITAL records of
> >vertebrate animal and vascular plant specimens that may have
> >been collected within the current NPS boundaries.

> >...  We would like to request a copy of any DIGITAL records
> >of vertebrate animal and vascular plant species from your
> >institution so that we may determine their pertinence to
> >documenting the biodiversity of the NPS.  Your response to
> >this email in regards to the existence and availability of
> >such specimen records is greatly appreciated.

> >Other than supplying a DIGITAL copy of EXISTING databases,
> >little or no effort will be necessary from participants. ...

> >We look forward to your response regarding the existence and
> >availability of potential specimen records to help document
> >the biodiversity of the National Park Service.