Code Updates
The Symbiota Support Hub worked throughout the fall semester to release Symbiota 3.1 and subsequently update all SSH-hosted portals to this newest version of the Symbiota code, which includes new features and tools, bug fixes, accessibility enhancements, and a modernized design. These changes have now been applied to all of the largest and most active portals, such as Ecdysis, the Consortium of Lichen Herbaria, CCH2, InvertEBase, and all portals within the SEINet network. If you notice any new bugs that may have been introduced during this process, please report them to our Help Desk.
New/Improved Portals
The SSH has rolled out several new portals and rebranded others in the past year. Vertebrate collections of all sizes can now join the Consortium of Vertebrate Collections, and the Algae Herbarium Portal has expanded to accept data beyond macroalgal specimens. A major new portal rollout includes the USDA Biocollections Portal, managed in close collaboration with the US Department of Agriculture.
Other Symbiota Portals
Not all Symbiota portals are hosted or managed by the SSH. OregonFlora, for example, is maintained by a team at Oregon State University and the Minnesota Biodiversity Atlas is maintained by the Bell Museum. Other examples include the Bhutan Biodiversity Specimen Portal, the Bolus Herbarium, and the Great Lakes Invasives Network. If you know of other independently managed Symbiota portals, the SSH would love to hear about them! Non-SSH maintained portals can be added to the Symbiota Portal Directory to help raise their visibility.
Sustainability Planning
As a reminder, the SSH continues to have the ability to provide fee-for-service contracts. Updated rates for products and services are now available here. Additionally, the SSH continues to be open and available to participate in funding proposals as a subaward or collaborating institution. Remember: The iDigBio SSH is not funded to develop new features for Symbiota, but enhancements to your portal can be made possible through external support! An official statement on sustaining Symbiota services is available on our website.
SPNHC 2025 at KU
Mark your calendars! The University of Kansas Biodiversity Institute will be hosting the annual meeting of the Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections, May 27-21, 2025, in Lawrence, KS. The official conference website now contains important logistical information to help attendees plan ahead. The SSH will be in attendance and we hope to present a workshop for Symbiota users.
See you next year!
The SSH extends sincere thanks to the Symbiota user community for its ongoing support and enthusiasm. We will continue to offer the same services in 2025–like the monthly Symbiota Support Group meeting–and we are already planning for several opportunities for you to join us in-person (see above for the SPNHC announcement!) To date, the SSH has responded to 4,244 Help Desk inquiries, and we look forward to continuing to work with you through this communication channel. Remember: If you need assistance with your portal or related training, the SSH can be reached by emailing help@symbiota.org.