Recording Collection Numbers?

[Mike d'Apice]

Tom: Just seen your explanation of the "1854" following JBPhipps' signature on a specimen which I had mis-interpreted as a date: Assuming I come across more of JBP's collected specimens: Where does one find the entry field to record a collection number for JBP and others (Assuming I can recognise other collectors' equivalents numbers to be such)?

Also is it worth recoding the various other 'collection numbers'(if they are), usually formatted like ISBN/Dewey Decimal library codes, that often seem to be annotated on labels but usually(?) in a different, so I have assumed, later script than the collector's? I still await spotting an ascension number (K or Kkxxxx) which I understand are different again. Thanks Mike d'A

[Tom Humphrey]

Hi Mike,

On the sheet you refer to I've added the collector's number as a tag.

To do this click on the tag icon near the top right of the form


this adds a tag field to the form where you can pick a tag name, in this case 'collector's number'.

Personally, I don't think in general it's worthwhile recording numbers (opinions vary on this). In the case of Phipps, his numbering is so open to confusion with date that I tend to record the number, so that subsequent users don't mistake the number for a year.

It's not worth noting species number codes (which relate to various taxonomic schemes) - they relate only to the taxon name. If current, then the number may be used for filing the sheet - but filing systems change and lots of obsolete codes end up on sheets. The numbers are easy to look up (even online) so don't need to part of specimen record.

Accession numbers only apply to MANCH, GOD and BON sheets (each has it's own format). With MANCH the accession number identifies the donor of specimens - so can sometimes provide additional information not otherwise on the label (it's also generally a requirement that museums track such things). GOD and BON accession numbers uniquely identify a individual sheets, and are critical when exporting data back to the host institution's database. (The BON numbers may also provide info about the source of the specimen).

In general please just ignore numbers on sheets, there are too many schemes and unless it's known what the number relates to it's not useful.

regards,

Tom

[Mike d'Apice]

Many thanks for the guidance... will happily continue to ignore the plethora of numbers. Regards Mike d'A