University of California, Davis

Purpose: Sustaining Cultural Heritage This grant will be used to create a Web-based museum records system at the UC Davis Arboretum. In collaboration with academic and professional partners at the University of California, the arboretum will transform its existing data sets (maps and plant records databases) into user-friendly content for the Web and will employ the latest in mobile technologies to manage, maintain, and provide information about its living collection. The overall goal of the project is to provide Web access to collection records on more than 24,000 accessions and maps of 21,500 living specimens in 96 areas of gardens for use by researchers, students, educators, and the general public. The project has three main components: (1) convert arboretum plant records files into BG-Base, a Web-ready database system that is the industry standard for botanical gardens; (2) create a digital collection map and geographic information system (GIS); and (3) integrate mobile technologies (handheld PDA (personal digital assistant) computers, barcode readers, global positioning system) into the Arboretum's collection management practices to streamline them and reduce errors in data tracking and mapping. By improving completeness, accuracy, flexibility, and accessibility of collection records and maps, the arboretum will increase its capacity in collection development, research, interpretation, and education programs.