Digital Library

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Computerization and Mapping of Collections

The Bessey Herbarium is engaged in an ongoing effort to improve access to its specimens by documenting them in a searchable electronic catalog. Related long-range goals include mapping specimen localities (i.e., where the specimens were collected), enabling online access by the public to the catalog and maps, and creating a digital library of images of plants, both from specimens and from the field.

To manage our specimen data we are currently using Specify, a software application, database, and network interface designed for research biological collections. Specify is a product of the Specify Software Project, Biodiversity Research Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas (USA). The project is funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation. Website: https://www.sustain.specifysoftware.org/.