How Did BHL Get to Big Data

Abstract

With 89.9 terabytes of data spanning over 500 years of data collection, the Biodiversity Heritage Library (BHL) is an important galaxy in the universe of biodiversity data. Embedded in those 89.9 terabytes are over 174 million species name occurrences and a currently unknown number of species occurrences, descriptions, identified traits, and related data--all locked in the over 500 years of data captured in the BHL. Growth of BHL partnerships in the past year and other key achievements, tools, and services will be covered. BHL collaborations with other biodiversity organizations (including GBIF and EOL) as well as specific projects such as BHL's Flickr stream will be covered. The Biodiversity Heritage Library has grown to be an important part of the infrastructure of biodiversity. In an attempt to solve the literature component of the taxonomic impediment, the BHL continues to provide access to legacy print publications and make this data widely available for reuse in collections support systems. Recognizing the importance of archival materials, specifically field notes, the BHL has moved to increase coverage of these materials through ongoing projects. Additionally, the BHL has actively worked on a variety of social media platforms. This session will include a brief update on BHL activities since that 2016 TDWG. The final section of this presentation will be a guided discussion of desideratum and enhancements TDWG participants see as important for BHL