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233-6 The Life Cycle of Collections-Based Paleo Data

Session: Revisiting the archives: New discoveries from existing core collections (Posters)

Poster Booth No.: 194

Presenting Author:

Natalia López Carranza

Authors:

López Carranza, Natalia¹, Karim, Talia², Bauer, Jennifer³, Byrd, Christina⁴, Contreras, Dori L.⁵, Davis, Sarah⁶, Hook, Juliet⁷, Krimmel, Erica⁸, Little, Holly⁹, Millhouse, Amanda¹⁰, Utrup, Jessica¹¹, Walker, Lindsay¹²r> (1) Biodiversity Institute and Natural History Museum, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA, (2) University of Colorado Museum of Natural History, Boulder, CO, USA, (3) University of Michigan Museum of Paleontology, Ann Arbor, MI, USA, (4) Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA, (5) Perot Museum of Nature and Science, Dallas, TX, USA, (6) Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Pittsburgh, PA, USA, (7) Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Los Angeles, CA, USA, (8) Independent, Sacramento, CA, USA, (9) Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Washington, DC, USA, (10) Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Washington, DC, USA, (11) Yale Peabody Museum, New Haven, CT, , (12) University of Kansas Biodiversity Institute, Lawrence, KS, USA; University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA,

Abstract:

The research data life cycle is a concept widely used to describe data-centric phases of decision-making and tasks throughout the research process. These phases are frequently labeled Plan, Acquire, Process, Analyze, Preserve, Publish, and Reuse. Here, we adapt the generic research data life cycle for collections-based paleontological data. We highlight domain-specific considerations in each phase, and we contextualize the value of the data life cycle for paleontological researchers. We also point to commonly used resources–including data standards–and roles in order to make this perspective practical.

Critically, we aim to illustrate the cyclical nature of collections data: from initial capture to data mobilization and publishing, refinement and use in research products, and finally reintegration of resulting data back into the original collections data system for future discovery and reuse. Closely examining the entire life cycle of paleontological collections data ensures that each phase is optimized to best support ongoing stewardship, broad use, and coordination with research efforts. In addition, it facilitates alignment with key data principles, leading to data that is more FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) in the long run.

The Life Cycle of Collections-Based Paleo Data

Description

Session Format: Poster

Presentation Date: 10/13/2026

Presentation Room: CCC, Hall F

Poster Booth No.: 194

Author Availability: 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.

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