Dendrochronology's Curation Crisis

Keywords: Dendrochronology, Curation, Archiving, Data Management
Abstract Type: Paper Abstract

Abstract

Dendrochronological research requires the collection of large quantities of specimens. Once these specimens have been collected, mounted, and analyzed, the issue becomes what to do with them. Curation practices are integral to preserving these unique samples for future study. However, dendrochronology labs are faced with monumental problems in the quest for sample curation. This paper will present the results of a curation project at the Idaho Tree-Ring Lab. I will discuss the trials and tribulations of curating a large collection of dendrochronological samples and will also present solutions that other labs can implement in the care of their own collections. There are two types of curation that dendrochronology labs must consider: digital curation and physical curation. Digital curation can be done in an infinite number of ways, but one of the best is to use the Tellervo software. Physical curation practices will be unique to each institution, but there are two overarching principles that should be followed. Firstly, specimens must be properly labeled and cataloged. Secondly, they should be stored in a standardized fashion. Dendrochronological samples are in many ways a nonrenewable resource, and thus excellent curation practices are essential to preserving the tree-ring record for future generations.