GUIDELINES FOR THE CURATION OF GEOLOGICAL MATERIALS

measurements, descriptions, photography, etc., all contributing to the strengthening
and safeguarding of links between specimens and their data).
The application of marks or the preparation of labels can occur at three stages
in the processing of a specimen into a museum. First, when it is collected from
the field (B1.3.1); secondly, when it enters the museum (B1.3.2); and thirdly
when it is catalogued " IB1.3.3). Whilst these three sections contain advice on
labelling and marking techniques appropriate to each stage, there follows a more
detailed technical discussion (B1.3.4). Finally, we consider the uses of marks and
labels (B1.3.5).
Primary documentation: field labels and marks
Section A2.1.2.3 gives some advice concerning the documentation of specimens
collected in the field. A number or other code should relate a specimen to a field
notebook entry containing all necessary data pertinent to its field collection. The
number may be a simple sequential site number or one which is modified by a
date or a code identifying a particular survey or expedition. Elaborate codes can
be developed, for example, those of William Smith 1769-1839 (Cox 1930 p. 285)
or Barrande 1799-1883 which safeguard the authenticity of recorded information
available with specimens, but which can lead to misinterpretation. Simple
abbreviations, in general, are better.
Field recording necessitates simple, speedy but none the less effective methods
of linking specimens to their data. These requirements are best served by the use
of self-adhesive tags, 'Elastoplast', or similar material, capable of receiving
written numbers or codes and which will withstand field conditions. Some
geological materials will accept writing direct from a pen; a waterproof felt or
fibre tip marker is easiest to use.
Many field collectors rely on labels rather than marks to link specimens to
notebooks. Although this is certainly a convenient method it provides very weak
data security. The method is recommended on the condition that great care is
taken to minimise the risk of data loss by wrapping or bagging the specimen with
its field label and to ensure that the labels clearly relate to entries in a field
notebook. Field labels may be simple pieces of paper bearing nothing else but a
field number or, preferably, in addition, locality, date and stratigraphic information.
The preparation of labels carrying full field documentation is timeconsuming;
in some circumstances, pre-printed labels may be appropriate. Fabric
collecting bags with attached card labels and resealable polythene bags which
include a writing panel, are recommended for use in the field.
Entry documentation
Section B2.1 advises on the methods of documenting specimens on first entering
the museum. Entry documentation entails the preparation, gathering or compilation
of data in some form or other, held against a unique Entry Number (see
B2.2). This number is the only link between specimens and data about their entry
into the museum. (Accompanying field notes and field numbers for instance
would not be expected to record the date material came to the museum, who
delivered it, etc.). The Entry Number should be recorded on a label (here termed
the 'Entry Label') and not marked on the specimen. For this reason data security
must unfortunately remain weak. The application of a permanent Entry Number