The Association of Systematic Collections is sponsoring a workshop on Sharing of Collections-based Data and Database Ethics. As data associated with natural history collections are increasingly used for research, conservation, resource management, and other purposes, there is a compelling need to explore the opportunities and constraints for data exchange. The funding of computerization and network projects suggests that there will be enormous growth of data sharing in the near future. However, current patterns of data sharing, recent problems within natural history collections and elsewhere in the scientific community, and expressed concerns all indicate that there are serious unresolved issues that limit willingness of institutions to allow free access to collections data. These issues will be addressed in the format of a workshop preceded by a series of introductory lectures, and followed by publication of guidelines by ASC. Participants will come from the academic and museum communities, the conservation community and other users of collections-based data, database professionals, commercial interests, and experts in legal and ethical aspects of data exchange. The workshop will be held at the AIBS meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii, on August 10-11, 1992. In addition to invited participants, there will be opportunities for open participation.
