Have you considered using one of the larger biodiversity databases like Arctos (http://arctosdb.org/) or Symbiota (http://scan1.acis.ufl.edu/)?
I use Arctos and, like Symbiota, it is entirely on-line so one needs only a web browser and a good internet connection (and a user account) to use it. Also, these databases share their data in a standardized format with data aggregators like iDigBio and GBIF. I treat indoor 'pest' arthropods as biodiversity - wildlife that's either accidentally indoors or that's taking advantage of a hospitable indoor habitat. This link is a saved search of records of specimens collected inside our museum - a surprising diversity! http://arctos.database.museum/saved/inside-museum I haven't looked over the required fields list and that would be the place to start - if there are lots of fields a good IPM pest database needs that aren't present in Arctos or Symbiota you'd need to start discussions with the designers about adding them but I think it would be worth the effort in the long run. I'm a strong advocate of not reinventing wheels and of data standardization (so everyone's database can share data). -Derek On Thu, Apr 16, 2015 at 2:22 AM, <pestlist@museumpests.net> wrote: > > Zpest was intended as a simple program that was more advanced than an > Excel spreadsheet but since it is free... was never intended to be the answer > to all issues! Zak software also offers a much more comprehensive program > available by subscription service that you can learn more about at > www.collectionpests.com > > > > Building a good Access database can be done, but it is time consuming. > AMNH developed a database and a presentation on its development and > implementation was given at the 2003 SPNHC annual meeting and a pdf > including screen shots and other useful information is available on the > MuseumPests.net site > > http://museumpests.net/monitoring-record-keeping-and-reporting/ > > Eventually we did find that the database becomes less stable when you get > thousands of records input. This seemed to be a known Access issue rather > than one specific to the particular database design. > > > > > > The IPM-WG looked into trying to develop one of the databases created by > its members for broader use but the realities of the time and finances > involved in taking a product like that forward were not realistic. For KE > EMu collection database users there is a pest module developed by the > Natural History Museum London and other institutions based on the > collaborative work done by the IPM-WG Data Collection subgroup. > > > > For institutions interested in developing their own databases the > MuseumPests site has a page on suggested data fields. Here is the website > blurb on the downloadable document... > > The goal of the Database Field List document created by members of the > IPM-WG is to identify those fields that are most important for tracking > pest observation data in a new pest database. The fields have been divided > into four categories: mandatory, suggested, optional and not recommended. > It must be remembered that every institution has different needs and goals, > so as you design your database, your task will be to select the fields that > fit your institution's needs. There may also be fields not found on this > list that you will want to include, but please remember that by keeping > your database simple, you will increase its usability. > > The document is available on the Record Keeping and Reporting page in the > Monitoring section of www.museumpests.net (same link as above). > > > > I hope that if you do develop your own database you will consider doing a > write-up that can be added to the website. > > Best, > > Rachael > > IPM-WG Co-Chair > > > > > > Rachael Perkins Arenstein > > A.M. Art Conservation, LLC > > Conservation Treatment, Preservation Consulting & Collection Management > > www.amartconservation.com > > rach...@amartconservation.com > > > > *From:* pestlist@museumpests.net [mailto:pestlist@museumpests.net] > *Sent:* Wednesday, April 15, 2015 10:21 PM > *To:* pestlist@museumpests.net > *Subject:* [pestlist] RE: IPM Access database? > > > > > > I haven't found one either, other than the Zak's Zpest software from > museumpests.net, which is helpful and free, but not perfect. Can you post > your responses to the list? I'm sure many of us would be interested in > knowing what's out there and how people are tracking their IPM data. > > > > Thanks, > > Dee > > > > > > *Dee Stubbs-Lee*, CAPC, MA > > Conservator / Restauratrice > > New Brunswick Museum/ > > Musée du Nouveau-Brunswick > > 277 Douglas Avenue > > Saint John, New Brunswick > > E2K 1E5 > > Canada > > (506)643-2341 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > *From:* pestlist@museumpests.net [mailto:pestlist@museumpests.net > <pestlist@museumpests.net>] > *Sent:* Wednesday, April 15, 2015 4:01 PM > *To:* pestlist@museumpests.net > *Subject:* [pestlist] IPM Access database? > > > > > > Hi all, > > We're interested in creating a custom Access database for our IPM program, > but I haven't had much luck finding a good template or example of one > available online. Does anyone have one they might be willing to share? I'd > love to take a look at how others have handled this - I'm a bit of a > beginner with Access. > > > > Many thanks, > > -Jen > > > > [image: logo] > > *Jen Tobias* > > *Manager of Exhibitions * > > *& Art Collections* > > Denver Botanic Gardens > > 909 York Street > > Denver, CO 80206 > > 720-865-3636 Phone > > 720-865-3682 Fax > > www.botanicgardens.org > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > -- +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Derek S. Sikes, Curator of Insects Associate Professor of Entomology University of Alaska Museum 907 Yukon Drive Fairbanks, AK 99775-6960 dssi...@alaska.edu phone: 907-474-6278 FAX: 907-474-5469 University of Alaska Museum - search 292,082 digitized arthropod records http://www.uaf.edu/museum/collections/ento/ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Interested in Alaskan Entomology? Join the Alaska Entomological Society and / or sign up for the email listserv "Alaska Entomological Network" at http://www.akentsoc.org/contact.php
