Canadian Forest Service Publications
Label data standards for terrestial arthropods. 2001. Wheeler, T.A.; Huber, J.T.; Currie, D.C. Biological Survey of Canada (Terrestrial Arthropods), Ottawa. Document Series No. 8. 20 p.
Year: 2001
Issued by: National Capital Region
Catalog ID: 20417
Language: English
Availability: Order paper copy (free)
Abstract
The data associated with specimens and recorded on their labels are a permanent record of research that is as important as the specimens themselves. This brief provides recommendations on how to prepare data labels for collections of terrestrial arthropods. Given here are standards for label data, to ensure that the data associated with the collecting event are clearly presented and organized, as well as standards for label preparation, to ensure that the labels are clear, useful and permanent. Labels should provide accurate, unambiguous locality information that includes latitude and longitude. Specific recommendations are also provided on how to format information about the date, collector, collecting method and habitat that should appear on labels, and about unique identifier codes if used. Guidelines for preparing computer-generated specimen labels are given, as well as recommendations on parer and printers for both dry (pinned) specimens and wet specimens (preserved in fluid). Label data should be in a format that maximizes the efficiency with which the data can be extracted into databases, data retrieval systems and geograhic information systems.