iDigBio seeks to determine the current state of digitization at small US natural history collections and identify successes and impediments. In the context of this survey, digitization refers to the process of representing physical specimens in digital formats, including databasing, digital imaging, georeferencing, and other activities. "Small collection" is not defined in quantitative terms for the purpose of this survey—if you think of the collection as “small” then the collection is in-scope.
Natural history collections curate such things as plants on sheets, fish in jars, insects on pins, and fossils in drawers. Small collections are encouraged to participate whether they have done digitization or not. We plan to publish the findings from the survey for the benefit of the community. If you consider yourself to represent a small natural history collection based in the United States, we encourage your participation in this survey.
The survey takes about 15–20 minutes to complete. Participation is voluntary and without direct benefits, risks, or any compensation to participants.
Please share this invitation with colleagues in the small natural history collections community who might not have heard about it yet!
Survey closes August 17, 2025.
