- tdwg-content - lists.tdwg.org

Call for TDWG Executive Committee Nominations (2021-2022)
by Quentin Groom 28 Oct '20

28 Oct '20

Dear All, just a reminder that nominations are open for the TDWG Executive Committee (2021-2022). All the details can be found here https://www.tdwg.org/news/2020/call-for-nominations/ Positions are open for the Deputy Chair, Chair of the Functional Subcommittee for Communications and Outreach, Chair of the Functional Subcommittee for Funding and Partnerships, Africa Representative, Asian Representative, North American Representative and the European Representative. If you are even curious about the posts please feel free to contact anyone on the current Executive Committee who will be only too willing to discuss the positions and possible roles you could play ( https://www.tdwg.org/about/executive/) The deadline to receive nominations is the 16 November 2020. Regards Quentin Groom

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Species establishment terms added to Darwin Core Standard
by John Wieczorek 24 Oct '20

24 Oct '20

Dear all, On 13 October the Executive Committee approved the recommended changes to the Darwin Core associated with species establishment. As of 21 October the Darwin Core standard and associated documentation (including the Quick Reference Guide - https://dwc.tdwg.org/terms/) have been updated to include: dwc:degreeOfEstablishment ( https://dwc.tdwg.org/terms/#dwc:degreeOfEstablishment) (new, with controlled vocabulary) dwc:pathway (https://dwc.tdwg.org/terms/#dwc:pathway) (new, with controlled vocabulary) dwc:establishmentMeans (https://dwc.tdwg.org/terms/#dwc:establishmentMeans) (change in definition, with controlled vocabulary) as well as the IRI versions of these same terms in the dwciri: namespace for use in RDF. Utility files with the horizontal (1 row) and vertical (1 column) term name lists can be found and downloaded from the DarwinCore Github site at https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/tree/master/dist. Enjoy the richer capacity to share species establishment information! John (on behalf of the Darwin Core Maintenance Interest Group)

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TDWG workshop report: BioCASe and IPT
by Tim Robertson 13 Oct '20

13 Oct '20

Dear all, (Cross posting to multiple lists, so my apologies if you receive this more than once) During the TDWG Working Group sessions we held two virtual workshops to capture ideas and hold discussion around the future of the BioCASe and GBIF IPT tools. Thank you to the many people who presented and contributed in the discussion and to the hard work behind the scenes by the TDWG organizers. I am happy to share the workshop report summarizing discussion points, attached as PDF and online on Google https://tinyurl.com/tdwg-2020-IPT-BPS-report Best wishes, Tim

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Request for public comment on Darwin Core proposals
by John Wieczorek 01 Oct '20

01 Oct '20

The Darwin Core Maintenance Group is pleased to announce the opening of a 30 day review period (ending 30 September) and seek your feedback for the following changes to Darwin Core that are of particular interest to those documenting evidence of invasive and introduced species: - Change the definition of establishmentMeans ( https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/235 <https://tdwg.us9.list-manage.com/track/click?u=50f3cc44307841383062ca0d6&id…> ) - Add two new terms: pathway https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/236 <https://tdwg.us9.list-manage.com/track/click?u=50f3cc44307841383062ca0d6&id…>) and degreeOfEstablishment (https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/237 <https://tdwg.us9.list-manage.com/track/click?u=50f3cc44307841383062ca0d6&id…> ) - Add controlled vocabularies to use with these three terms ( https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/257 <https://tdwg.us9.list-manage.com/track/click?u=50f3cc44307841383062ca0d6&id…> , https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/258 <https://tdwg.us9.list-manage.com/track/click?u=50f3cc44307841383062ca0d6&id…> , https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/259 <https://tdwg.us9.list-manage.com/track/click?u=50f3cc44307841383062ca0d6&id…> ) Please leave comments on the issues linked above. If you are unable or prefer not to create GitHub comments, send them to the Maintenance Group convenor at gtuco.btuco(a)gmail.com. They will be added to the issues on your behalf, crediting you as the source. About the Process: Because the Vocabulary Maintenance process is being put into effect publicly for only the second time, and the first time for Darwin Core, it is worthwhile to call out from the TDWG Vocabulary Maintenance Specification (http://rs.tdwg.org/vms/doc/specification/#33-changes-to-vocabulary-terms <https://tdwg.us9.list-manage.com/track/click?u=50f3cc44307841383062ca0d6&id…>) how this works and where we are in the process. "*Because the primary purpose of TDWG vocabularies is to facilitate data sharing, it is necessary to show that multiple parties will benefit from the change. As such, it is a minimum requirement that two independent entities indicate that they desire the change (the demand requirement). Additionally, it is required that there is a consensus within the community that the proposed change will accomplish the desired outcome (the efficacy requirement), and that making the change will not adversely affect the interoperability of existing implementations that depend on the stability of the vocabulary (the stability requirement).*" The *demand requirement* has already been met and documented in the issues. We are now interested in finding consensus in confirming the *efficacy* and *stability requirements*. This brings us to the public review, commencing with this announcement. The steps, from the Specification, are as follows: " *If the maintaining Interest Group determines that the proposed term change is likely to meet the demand, efficacy, and stability requirements, it will conduct a minimum 30 day comment period. The start of the comment period will be announced on the TDWG email list [TDWG-CONTENT]. In an effort to reach consensus, the proposal may be modified based on discussion during the comment period. Consensus is indicated by no dissenting opinion expressed publicly on the mailing list for 30 days from the most recent modification of the proposal. The term change proposal may be modified by its submitter or the Interest Group in an attempt to shape a proposal that can achieve community consensus. A change in the official proposal will trigger the start of a new 30 day period.If the Interest Group believes that a consensus has been reached, the proposal will be presented by the Interest Group to the Executive Committee for a decision.*" We look forward to your participation in this community process.

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Request for public comment on Audubon Core proposals
by Baskauf, Steven James 31 Aug '20

31 Aug '20

The Audubon Core Maintenance Group is advancing six proposals to update terms in the Audubon Core. A 30 day period for public comment is now open. It closes at the end of September. Three of the proposals create controlled vocabularies that were envisioned during the initial formulation of the Audubon Core, but were incomplete when the vocabulary was ratified. Three proposals are for adding new terms to Audubon Core that are important for biodiversity sound descriptions (i.e., metadata for biodiversity sound files). To view the proposals, visit https://github.com/tdwg/ac/milestone/2<https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftdwg.us9.…> and view the individual proposal issues and their associated documents. To comment on the proposals, leave comments on the relevant proposal issue. If you are unable to create GitHub comments, send them to the Maintenance Group convener at steve.baskauf(a)vanderbilt.edu <mailto:steve.baskauf@vanderbilt.edu?subject=Audubon%20Core%20Comment> . Steve Baskauf Audubon Core Maintenance Group convener on behalf of the group -- Steven J. Baskauf, Ph.D. Data Science and Data Curation Specialist Jean & Alexander Heard Libraries, Vanderbilt University Nashville, TN 37235, USA Office: Eskind Biomedical Library, EMB 111 Phone: (615) 343-4582 https://my.vanderbilt.edu/baskauf/

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Next Tuesday 6/23 - SPNHC Symposium on "Envisioning Collections Management for the Evolving Biodiversity Data Lifecycle"
by Deborah Paul 18 Jun '20

18 Jun '20

Hello Everyone, You are invited to join us for a symposium next *Tuesday, June 23rd from 8am-10am Eastern* (check your local time here <https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?msg=Envisioning+Colle…>) on /*Envisioning Collections Management for the Evolving Biodiversity Data Lifecycle*/. This symposium was originally scheduled as part of the SPNHC & ICOMNATHIST 2020 Conference <https://spnhc.org/spnhc-icom-nathist-june-8-12-2020/>. More information, including a line-up of talks and Zoom connection information, can be found on the calendar announcement here <https://www.idigbio.org/content/spnhc-symposium-rescheduled-june-10-envisio…>. Please excuse cross-postings. Deborah Paul -- -- Upcoming iDigBio Events https://www.idigbio.org/calendar -- Deborah Paul, Digitization/Capacity Development Manager iDigBio -- Steering Committee Member, SPNHC Liaison Biodiversity Information Standards (TDWG) Deputy Chair Biodiversity Information Science and Standards (BISS) Managing Ed. Institute for Digital Information, 234 LSB Florida State University Tallahassee, Florida 32306 850-644-6366

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SPNHC and ICOM NATHIST go Virtual for 2020
by Deborah Paul 11 May '20

11 May '20

RE: SPNHC and ICOM NATHIST go Virtual for 2020 Register now at https://spnhc_icomnathist2020.eventbrite.com SPNHC and ICOM NATHIST are hosting a virtual digital meeting from 8-12 June, 2020. Together, we are offering an online event tailored to foster conversation across our joint worldwide communities. Activities currently envisioned include a plenary session, symposia and presentations, and an educational share fare, all in support of communication and professional development in these times of uncertainty and isolation. For members of SPNHC and ICOM NATHIST, Annual Business meetings are scheduled for Wednesday 10 June 2020. SPNHC Committee meetings and ICOM-NATHIST working group meetings, for those wishing to be more active in the community, are planned for Monday 8 June 2020. The online virtual meeting will use Zoom video conferencing, and it is free to register for the event. Registration is necessary so we can send you links and Zoom password to the free online meeting. We do, however, encourage you to support your society by becoming a member or renewing your SPNHC <https://spnhc.org/get-involved/become-a-member/> and/orICOM NATHIST <https://icomnathist.wordpress.com/benefits-of-membership/> membership. Two time blocks for sessions are proposed to be as globally inclusive as possible: 12:00PM - 4:30PM UTC | 9:00PM - 1:30AM UTC You can determine these times at your location using the handy website https://timeanddate.com. Conference information, including the agenda, as it is finalized can be found via https://spnhc.org/virtual-meeting-2020-registration/. Questions? Contact us via email: organizer(a)spnhc.org We look forward to seeing you soon online. SPNHC and ICOM NATHIST Virtual 2020 Organizing Committee (Apologies for cross-posting) -- -- Upcoming iDigBio Events https://www.idigbio.org/calendar -- Deborah Paul, iDigBio Digitization and Workforce Development Manager iDigBio -- Steering Committee Member SPNHC Liaison, Member-At-Large and Member International Relations Committee ICEDIG External Advisory Board Member https://icedig.eu/ Vice Chair, Biodiversity Information Standards Organisation (TDWG)(2019-2021) Managing Editor, Biodiversity Information Science and Standards (BISS) https://biss.pensoft.net/board/ Institute for Digital Information, 234 LSB Florida State University Tallahassee, Florida 32306 850-644-6366

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Reminder: Darwin Core Hour + 2BBQs: Imagining a global gazetteer of georeferences
by Paula Zermoglio 06 May '20

06 May '20

A new *Darwin Core (DwC) Hour + 2BBQs!* are almost here: *Imagining a global gazetteer of georeferences* [image: Promotion_v2.jpg] This Darwin Core Hour will consist of a 1hs Webinar and two 2hs BBQ sessions. Please see Webinar and BBQs Details and Meeting Links at https://www.idigbio.org/content/darwin-core-hour-2-bbqs-imagining-global-ga… *Abstract:* We want our georeferencing to be just right: complete, as accurate as possible, and usable for research. However, it takes a great effort and resources to do so, right? Although the majority of the records shared online are not georeferenced, we have invested a huge, collective effort already; there ARE a lot of georeferenced locations already published. In GBIF, for example, there are >54M unique location strings that are georeferenced, affecting >530M occurrence records. We know that many collection/observation sites tend to be repeated across institutions and even taxa. Could we take advantage of all the effort already invested by the community? Could we use those georeferences to complete records that do not have them? The answer is: (probably) yes, and it would be awesome! In this Darwin Core Hour and BBQ we will present and discuss the idea of building a global gazetteer of georeferenced localities for everyone to use. When: 1. *Darwin Core Hour Time (~1 Hour **13:00 to 14:00 UTC)*: 9:00 AM EDT, 10:00 AM ART, 14:00 BST, 15:00 CEST, 13:00 GMT Click for your local time <https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?iso=20200504T1300> . 2. *Darwin Core Hour BBQ 1* (Monday 4 May 2020, 14:00 to 16:00 UTC) 3. *Darwin Core Hour BBQ 2* (Thursday 7 May 2020, 20:00-22:00 UTC <http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?iso=20200507T2000>) 4:00 PM EDT, 5:00 PM ART, 9:00 PM BST, 10:00 PM CEST, 20:00 GMT EXTRAS: - Explore the Darwin Core Questions & Answers wiki: https://github.com/tdwg/dwc-qa/wiki - See which of your questions have been asked and answered so far: https://github.com/tdwg/dwc-qa/issues - Submit your question / volunteer (yourself or someone) to do a webinar on a darwin core topic: https://tinyurl.com/zja2muz Happy Darwin Core and Data Quality, and hope to see you soon! Paula Zermoglio, et al. from the Darwin Core Hour Team (please kindly excuse cross-postings!)

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Darwin Core Hour + 2BBQs: Imagining a global gazetteer of georeferences
by Paula Zermoglio 29 Apr '20

29 Apr '20

A new *Darwin Core (DwC) Hour + 2BBQs!* are almost here: *Imagining a global gazetteer of georeferences* [image: Promotion_v2.jpg] This Darwin Core Hour will consist of a 1hs Webinar and two 2hs BBQ sessions. Please see Webinar and BBQs Details and Meeting Links at https://www.idigbio.org/content/darwin-core-hour-2-bbqs-imagining-global-ga… *Abstract:* We want our georeferencing to be just right: complete, as accurate as possible, and usable for research. However, it takes a great effort and resources to do so, right? Although the majority of the records shared online are not georeferenced, we have invested a huge, collective effort already; there ARE a lot of georeferenced locations already published. In GBIF, for example, there are >54M unique location strings that are georeferenced, affecting >530M occurrence records. We know that many collection/observation sites tend to be repeated across institutions and even taxa. Could we take advantage of all the effort already invested by the community? Could we use those georeferences to complete records that do not have them? The answer is: (probably) yes, and it would be awesome! In this Darwin Core Hour and BBQ we will present and discuss the idea of building a global gazetteer of georeferenced localities for everyone to use. When: 1. *Darwin Core Hour Time (~1 Hour **13:00 to 14:00 UTC)*: 9:00 AM EDT, 10:00 AM ART, 14:00 BST, 15:00 CEST, 13:00 GMT Click for your local time <https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?iso=20200504T1300> . 2. *Darwin Core Hour BBQ 1* (Monday 4 May 2020, 14:00 to 16:00 UTC) 3. *Darwin Core Hour BBQ 2* (Thursday 7 May 2020, 20:00-22:00 UTC <http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?iso=20200507T2000>) 4:00 PM EDT, 5:00 PM ART, 9:00 PM BST, 10:00 PM CEST, 20:00 GMT EXTRAS: - Explore the Darwin Core Questions & Answers wiki: https://github.com/tdwg/dwc-qa/wiki - See which of your questions have been asked and answered so far: https://github.com/tdwg/dwc-qa/issues - Submit your question / volunteer (yourself or someone) to do a webinar on a darwin core topic: https://tinyurl.com/zja2muz Happy Darwin Core and Data Quality, and hope to see you soon! Paula Zermoglio, et al. from the Darwin Core Hour Team (please kindly excuse cross-postings!)

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Your Part In a Pursuit of a Worldwide Collection Catalogue
by Deborah Paul 19 Apr '20

19 Apr '20

Hi TDWG folks, RE: Your Part In a Pursuit of a Worldwide Collection Catalogue Some of you work with / in collections, or know people that do, or support gathering, using and discovery of bio/geo-collections data. Please participate in this event (see next) and encourage your colleagues (FB, Twitter, email, etc). Thanks! Please note that at least some of the content is available in Spanish, Chinese (simplified), and French in an effort to make it easier for more folks to participate. Español: Adelantando el Catálogo de Colecciones de Historia Natural del Mundo 13 <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://discourse.gbif.org/t/adelantando-el-cat…> Français: Faire avancer le Catalogue des Collections d’Histoire Naturelle du Monde <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://discourse.gbif.org/t/progressant-le-cat…> 简体中文: 建立《全球自然历史馆藏名录》 <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://discourse.gbif.org/t/topic/2039__;!!PhO…> Right now (through April 27th) you have a unique opportunity to add your voice to an online consultation about Advancing the Catalogue of the World’s Natural History Collections. Please help to capture the value of collections and your insights about potential for them as well that will help shape a new online resource. Please start here: https://discourse.gbif.org/t/advancing-the-catalogue-of-the-worlds-natural-… A few example Technical and Information questions that need your experience and insights: * Would the collections community benefit from a comprehensive directory of all natural history collections? * Who would make use of such a directory? * How should ownership and access control for collection records be managed? * What interfaces and APIs are required to maximise access to the collection catalogue? * What is the best way to include these communities as part of an interconnected solution? * Is there a role for content to be created and improved by a wider audience (e.g. through Wikidata)? * What is required to ensure that this meets the needs of collections and is fully adopted and owned by the collections community? * What challenges need to be addressed to minimise duplication of content and effort within an integrated catalogue? * How can the catalogue best support diverse user communities, including speakers of different languages? * How should appropriate editors be recognised and validated? * What do these communities require to be able to carry out their work efficiently and support their collections? * What present or future requirements are there for interfaces directly between CMS platforms and the collection catalogue? * Are there special opportunities that should be considered? * Could CMS platforms become a source of metadata for institutional collections within a global catalogue? * Which existing tools, databases and websites can help to mobilise and maintain collection records? * Is it possible to identify additional tools or pathways that need to be developed or supported Please share this call with your colleagues too so that input can truly be worldwide and cross-discipline. We're very much looking forward to talking with you in the forum (at GBIF) where the questions are posted. We are waiting for you. In anticipation, from Deb, on behalf of the consultation team: Donald Hobern, Alex Asase, Quentin Groom, Maofang Luo, Deborah Paul, Tim Robertson, Patrick Semal, Barbara Thiers, Matt Woodburn, Eliza Zschuschen -- -- Upcoming iDigBio Events https://www.idigbio.org/calendar -- Deborah Paul, iDigBio Digitization and Workforce Development Manager iDigBio -- Steering Committee Member SPNHC Liaison, Member-At-Large and Member International Relations Committee ICEDIG External Advisory Board Member https://icedig.eu/ Vice Chair, Biodiversity Information Standards Organisation (TDWG)(2019-2021) Managing Editor, Biodiversity Information Science and Standards (BISS) https://biss.pensoft.net/board/ Institute for Digital Information, 234 LSB Florida State University Tallahassee, Florida 32306 850-644-6366

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