Surfacing the deep data of taxonomy.

Area of Science:

• Biodiversity Informatics
• Taxonomy
• Digital Curation

Background:

• Traditional taxonomic databases often cite literature inadequately, resembling outdated index cards.
• This limits access to essential taxonomic data like original descriptions and nomenclatural actions.
• Current digitization efforts offer an opportunity to improve data accessibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To advocate for the integration of unique identifiers, such as Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs), into taxonomic databases.
• To highlight the benefits of reusing existing identifiers for linking biodiversity data.
• To address the fragmentation of taxonomic literature and associated knowledge.

Main Methods:

• The study proposes mapping taxonomic literature to globally unique identifiers.
• It emphasizes the reuse of existing identifiers (e.g., DOIs) over creating new ones.
• It discusses the potential for building interconnected biodiversity data.

Main Results:

• Adopting DOIs can link taxonomic literature to digitized scientific content.
• Reusing identifiers facilitates the creation of a more integrated biodiversity data infrastructure.
• This approach can overcome the current "balkanization" of taxonomic information.

Conclusions:

• Integrating unique identifiers into taxonomic databases is crucial for unlocking hidden taxonomic knowledge.
• This practice will enhance data discoverability and support advanced biodiversity informatics.
• Failure to adopt these standards risks perpetuating obscurity for valuable scientific literature.