Small Collections Grant
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Processing, digitization and divulging of the collection of Atlantic Patagonian macroalgae of Herbarium BBB (UNS, Argentina)
Argentina
Digitally image, Process backlog, Other
Cost (USD):
2000
BBB
Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)
Objective:
The collection of Atlantic Patagonian macroalgae, housed in the Herbarium BBB of Universidad Nacional del Sur comprises more than 2000 specimens from 18 localities on the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean. The lack of budget and personnel in the herbarium has led to the collection being neglected. Most specimens are pressed on temporary papers and need to be correctly mounted and taxonomically identified. The objectives of this project are to process backlog specimens, digitize them to obtain high resolution images and to promote the visibility of the collection among botanists.
Timetable:
Upon receiving the grant, we plan to purchase a camera, a tripod and all the required supplies that will be used for processing the specimens: cardboard containers, microscope slides and mounting medium, paper sheets, adhesive tape, and labels. We will allocate one month to recruit a motivated paid-intern to carry out the processing and digitization of the specimens. The following six months will be devoted to the mounting activities and completion of the taxonomic identification of the backlog specimens, using specific bibliography provided by the herbarium and our research group. Once these tasks are concluded, we plan to dedicate three months to the digitization of the specimens. We will set the photographic stand with the camera and the tripod to capture the images. During the last two months of the grant, we will prepare an abstract and a poster to be presented at the scientific meeting of choice, and also other faculty environments, such as postgraduates students conferences at University.
Scoring Rubric
Reviewer's name:
Collection Improvement (max. 120 points)
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Facilitating access to the physical collections by digitization (e.g., data entry, setting up database structure with an outline of the platform to be used, purchasing equipment, and imaging specimens) – up to 30 points.
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Enhancing physical collections by improving the conservation status of specimens in the herbarium (e.g., better folders, protecting covers, mounting paper, labeling, etc.) – up to 30 points.
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Curating specimens (e.g., updating families, species identification, identifying types) – up to 20 points.
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Increasing our understanding of the flora or funga by making new herbarium specimens available, such as processing of backlog or collecting and mounting of new specimens from understudied sites – up to 20 points.
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Securing collections by distribution of duplicates (or orphan collections) to other regional or international herbaria or shipping endangered collections to another herbarium – up to 20 points.
This proposal scores:
/120
Methods & Funding (max. 40 points)
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Match between the proposed budget and methods for the aims described – up to 10 points.
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Perceived need, the extent to which the project will benefit from IAPT funding: e.g., due to active floristic work or contribution to poorly collected sites, due to threatened conditions of collections, and for the degree of involvement of others (outreach and education). We give more points for herbaria in low- and middle-income countries – up to 20 points.
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Sharing duplicate specimens with other herbaria – up to 10 points.
This proposal scores:
/40
Broader Impacts (max. 40 points)
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Degree of regional importance of the collection or the taxonomic importance of the targeted collection – up to 10 points.
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The project will yield durable benefits (specimens, digitized metadata, databases, websites) – up to 15 points.
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The project involves outreach/mentoring and broad dissemination – up to 15 points.
This proposal scores:
/40
Year of last successful SCG application:
Has applicant applied for SCG before?:
Plan:
The processing of backlog specimens will consist of: proper mounting or storage, taxonomic identification to the highest level possible, labeling, and organization in cabinets. We will acquire supplies to process each macroalgae specimen according to the thallus type. Most specimens will be mounted on adequate herbarium sheets, while others will be stored in small boxes, mounted on microscope slides, or have their preservative solutions renovated. Digitization of the collection will be accomplished by capturing high-resolution images of each completed specimen. Pressed specimens will be photographed with adequate lighting, using a tripod for overhead photography. The images will be saved to a digital storage device and included in a database, making them digitally accessible to faculty and scientific communities. To achieve these objectives we will hire personnel who will help with the tasks related to the processing and digitization of the specimens. After the collection is arranged we will summarize the information in a graphical format to be presented in scientific meetings or faculty environments, and eventually promote the exchange of specimens with other institutions.
Institution:
IH Code:
Country:
Target areas:
Applicant First Name/s:
email:
Promote the visibility of the collection
"Other" target:
Maria Emilia Croce
Applicant Last Name/s: