This course provides an introduction to collections data management for botanic garden professionals. We will look at the link between collections policy and collections data management, understand the importance of recording and maintaining collections data, which fields are important for storing collections data and different ways to do it and finally know why and how data should be shared with other institutions.  

This introductory course is free to BGCI members and will take approximately three hours to complete. 

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this module you will: 

      • Understand the link between collections policy and collection data management 
        • Understand the importance of recording and maintaining collections data 
          • Recognise which data should be held and why 
            • Be familiar with the different ways this data can be stored, presented and kept up-to-date 
              • Be able to understand which fields are important for storing collections data 
                • Know how and why data should be shared with other institutions (share your data on PlantSearch) 
              Audience: Staff at botanic gardens and other plant conservation institutions, particularly newer or less-resourced institutions, interested in learning more about botanic collection data management and/or looking to build a new management system and/or digitise existing records. 

              Level: Foundation

              Length: 3  hours

              Access for BGCI members: Please use the enrolment key which can be found in the SheepApp  or contact BGCI). Click on the course title to begin.

              Access for non BGCI members: Please contact BGCI for more information