A symposium, ‘Collections for the 21st Century,’ sponsored by iDigBio and the NSC Alliance, will be held on May 5-6, 2014, in Gainesville, Florida. It will emphasize the value of collections data in meeting challenges facing biodiversity and human societies. The symposium will feature a full day of talks on May 5 and a half–day of talks on May 6. A workshop or other activities yet to be determined will be held on the afternoon of May 6. We will keep those who register informed of our plans as they develop.
The NSF-funded Advancing Digitization of Biodiversity Collections program has been a tremendous boost to the collections community and will make data available for new and exciting uses in research and education. But, we need to take the initiative and demonstrate ways in which the data are being used now so that scientists and others make use of data as they becomes available, and administrators provide support beyond that provided by NSF. Digitized data are useful only if their value is known.
Registration for the symposium is free, but all travel-related expenses are the responsibility of each participant. Information on accommodations at a discounted rate will be provided when you register. Attendance will be limited to 80 persons so please register soon if you plan to attend. Register online at: https://www.idigbio.org/content/collections-21st-century-symposium.