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Implementing the Digital Taxonomic Revolution:Alternate Strategies for a Web-Based Registry
of Taxonomic Names
Implementing the Digital Taxonomic Revolution:Alternate Strategies for a Web-Based Registry
of Taxonomic Names
Richard PyleBishop Museum
Honolulu
Richard PyleBishop Museum
Honolulu
Registration and PublicationRegistration and Publication
RegistrationThe process of entering a complete record in the ZooBank registry.
RegistrationThe process of entering a complete record in the ZooBank registry.
PublicationICZN-compliant published works, as defined in Chapter 3 (Arts. 7-9) of the 4th Edition of the ICZN Code.
PublicationICZN-compliant published works, as defined in Chapter 3 (Arts. 7-9) of the 4th Edition of the ICZN Code.
Available Name (Availability)A scientific name applied to an animal taxon that conforms to the provisions of the ICZN Code of nomenclature.
Available Name (Availability)A scientific name applied to an animal taxon that conforms to the provisions of the ICZN Code of nomenclature.
Registration and PublicationRegistration and Publication
The “Three Scenarios”The “Three Scenarios”Scenario #1
(Publication + Registration) = AvailabilityScenario #1
(Publication + Registration) = Availability
Scenario #2Registration = Availability
Scenario #2Registration = Availability
Scenario #3Registration = Publication = Availability
Scenario #3Registration = Publication = Availability
- ZooBank Technical Article, pp. 3-5- ZooBank Technical Article, pp. 3-5
- ZooBank Technical Article, pp. 5-9- ZooBank Technical Article, pp. 5-9
- Doug Yanega Post to ZooBank List, 22 Sep 2005- Doug Yanega Post to ZooBank List, 22 Sep 2005
Scenario #1:(Publication + Registration) = Availability
Scenario #1:(Publication + Registration) = Availability
SummarySummary• To be available, names & acts must both
be published in accordance with existing Code rules, and be registered
• Registration can take place either before publication, or after publication
• If before or within 2 years after, date of availability is publication date; if more than 2 years after, date of availability is registration date*
• To be available, names & acts must both be published in accordance with existing Code rules, and be registered
• Registration can take place either before publication, or after publication
• If before or within 2 years after, date of availability is publication date; if more than 2 years after, date of availability is registration date*
Procedure (Pre-Publication)Procedure (Pre-Publication)
Journal/BookJournal/Book Taxon Author(s)Taxon Author(s) ICZN/ZooBankICZN/ZooBank
Submits online / hard copy form to ICZN with details of
nomenclatural act
Submits online / hard copy form to ICZN with details of
nomenclatural actAssigns GUID & returns form &
GUID to Author(s) with statement of Code compliance
Assigns GUID & returns form & GUID to Author(s) with statement
of Code compliance
Submits manuscript for publication, with GUID and copy of ICZN returned form
Submits manuscript for publication, with GUID and copy of ICZN returned form
Publishes name/act with GUID in full accordance with ICZN
Chapter 3 (Arts. 7-9)
Publishes name/act with GUID in full accordance with ICZN
Chapter 3 (Arts. 7-9)Sends copy of (relevant portion
of) published name/act & reference to ICZN, with original
form and GUID
Sends copy of (relevant portion of) published name/act &
reference to ICZN, with original form and GUID Verifies publication, makes GUID
public with registration detailsVerifies publication, makes GUID
public with registration details
Name is Available, using date ofPublication for priority purposesName is Available, using date ofPublication for priority purposes
Scenario #1:(Publication + Registration) = Availability
Scenario #1:(Publication + Registration) = Availability
Procedure (Post-Publication, within 2 years)Procedure (Post-Publication, within 2 years)
Journal/BookJournal/Book Author(s)/3rd PartyAuthor(s)/3rd Party ICZN/ZooBankICZN/ZooBank
Verifies publication and form for Code compliance, assigns GUID
& makes GUID public with registration details
Verifies publication and form for Code compliance, assigns GUID
& makes GUID public with registration details
Submits manuscript containing name/act for publication
(as normal current practice)
Submits manuscript containing name/act for publication
(as normal current practice)
Publishes name/act in full accordance with ICZN Chapter
3 (Arts. 7-9)
Publishes name/act in full accordance with ICZN Chapter
3 (Arts. 7-9)Submits online / hard copy form
to ICZN with copy of (relevant portion of) published name/act & reference within 2 years of
publication date
Submits online / hard copy form to ICZN with copy of (relevant portion of) published name/act & reference within 2 years of
publication date
Name is Available, using date ofPublication for priority purposesName is Available, using date ofPublication for priority purposes
Scenario #1:(Publication + Registration) = Availability
Scenario #1:(Publication + Registration) = Availability
Procedure (More than 2 years Post-Publication)Procedure (More than 2 years Post-Publication)
Journal/BookJournal/Book Author(s)/3rd PartyAuthor(s)/3rd Party ICZN/ZooBankICZN/ZooBank
Verifies publication and form for Code compliance, assigns GUID
& makes GUID public with registration details
Verifies publication and form for Code compliance, assigns GUID
& makes GUID public with registration details
Submits manuscript containing name/act for publication
(as normal current practice)
Submits manuscript containing name/act for publication
(as normal current practice)
Publishes name/act in full accordance with ICZN Chapter
3 (Arts. 7-9)
Publishes name/act in full accordance with ICZN Chapter
3 (Arts. 7-9)Submits online / hard copy form
to ICZN with copy of (relevant portion of) published name/act & reference within 2 years of
publication date
Submits online / hard copy form to ICZN with copy of (relevant portion of) published name/act & reference within 2 years of
publication date
Name is Available, using date ofRegistration for priority purposes*Name is Available, using date of
Registration for priority purposes*
Scenario #1:(Publication + Registration) = Availability
Scenario #1:(Publication + Registration) = Availability
AdvantagesAdvantages
• Relatively small change to existing taxonomic practice
• Fast implementation via Amendment to the 4th Edition Code
• Maintains implicit quality control via traditional publication venues
• Perhaps broader acceptance by taxonomic community?
• Relatively small change to existing taxonomic practice
• Fast implementation via Amendment to the 4th Edition Code
• Maintains implicit quality control via traditional publication venues
• Perhaps broader acceptance by taxonomic community?
Scenario #1:(Publication + Registration) = Availability
Scenario #1:(Publication + Registration) = Availability
Disadvantages (and Rebuttal)Disadvantages (and Rebuttal)
• Somewhat complex procedure involving asynchronous publication and registration events, arbitrary time periods affecting date of availability, and petitions to the Commission in certain special circumstances
• Somewhat complex procedure involving asynchronous publication and registration events, arbitrary time periods affecting date of availability, and petitions to the Commission in certain special circumstances• Not really that complicated, in the context of all
the existing complexities of the ICZN Code• Not really that complicated, in the context of all
the existing complexities of the ICZN Code
Scenario #1:(Publication + Registration) = Availability
Scenario #1:(Publication + Registration) = Availability
Disadvantages (and Rebuttal)Disadvantages (and Rebuttal)
• Somewhat ambiguous “gray zone” after publication and before registration when names & acts are “assumed” to be available, even though technically not available until registered
• Somewhat ambiguous “gray zone” after publication and before registration when names & acts are “assumed” to be available, even though technically not available until registered
• Most authors will probably register new names prior to publication, eliminating this problem entirely
• Most authors will probably register new names prior to publication, eliminating this problem entirely
Scenario #1:(Publication + Registration) = Availability
Scenario #1:(Publication + Registration) = Availability
Disadvantages (and Rebuttal)Disadvantages (and Rebuttal)
• Still suffers from all the complexities and ambiguities associated with traditional paper-publication entangled with nomenclatural availability
• Still suffers from all the complexities and ambiguities associated with traditional paper-publication entangled with nomenclatural availability
• Not really much different from how it’s currently done, so not an increase in complexity
• Not really much different from how it’s currently done, so not an increase in complexity
Scenario #1:(Publication + Registration) = Availability
Scenario #1:(Publication + Registration) = Availability
Disadvantages (and Rebuttal)Disadvantages (and Rebuttal)
• Requires (possibly extensive) increase in active role of ICZN staff (and associated costs) to process registration requests and verify Code compliance for issuance of GUIDs and exposing registration details to public
• Requires (possibly extensive) increase in active role of ICZN staff (and associated costs) to process registration requests and verify Code compliance for issuance of GUIDs and exposing registration details to public
• No rebuttal• No rebuttal
Scenario #1:(Publication + Registration) = Availability
Scenario #1:(Publication + Registration) = Availability
SummarySummary• The process of registration itself is all
that is required for availability of new names & acts
• Prior or subsequent publication through traditional venues is encouraged, but is not integral to nomenclatural availability
• The process of registration itself is all that is required for availability of new names & acts
• Prior or subsequent publication through traditional venues is encouraged, but is not integral to nomenclatural availability
Scenario #2:Registration = Availability
Scenario #2:Registration = Availability
Procedure (Pre-Publication)Procedure (Pre-Publication)
Journal/BookJournal/Book Taxon Author(s)Taxon Author(s) ICZN/ZooBankICZN/ZooBank
Registers name/act with ZooBank registry service, or submits hard-copy form with relevant minimum details to
ICZN for registration
Registers name/act with ZooBank registry service, or submits hard-copy form with relevant minimum details to
ICZN for registrationOnce Registration entry is complete, assigns GUID
automatically
Once Registration entry is complete, assigns GUID
automatically
Submits manuscript for publication, with scientific
rationale and full-blown description/details
Submits manuscript for publication, with scientific
rationale and full-blown description/detailsPublishes manuscript if
passes peer-review process (or not), with no implications for nomenclatural availability
Publishes manuscript if passes peer-review process (or not), with no implications for nomenclatural availability
Optionally sends copy/facsimile of publication & reference to
ICZN, linked to relevant Registration entry
Optionally sends copy/facsimile of publication & reference to
ICZN, linked to relevant Registration entry
Name is Available, using date ofRegistration for priority purposesName is Available, using date of
Registration for priority purposes
Scenario #2:Registration = Availability
Scenario #2:Registration = Availability
AdvantagesAdvantages
• Legalities of nomenclatural availability and science of taxonomy are disentangled from each other
• No ambiguity about date of Availability
• Existing complexities of nomenclatural availability of published works are moot
• Only minor increase to active role of ICZN staff (and associated costs)
• Legalities of nomenclatural availability and science of taxonomy are disentangled from each other
• No ambiguity about date of Availability
• Existing complexities of nomenclatural availability of published works are moot
• Only minor increase to active role of ICZN staff (and associated costs)
Scenario #2:Registration = Availability
Scenario #2:Registration = Availability
Disadvantages (and Rebuttal)Disadvantages (and Rebuttal)
• Fundamental change to the way taxonomic names and acts are established (eliminating Publication process from act of nomenclatural availability)
• Fundamental change to the way taxonomic names and acts are established (eliminating Publication process from act of nomenclatural availability)• Not from the perspective of the taxonomists
(virtually same as Scenario #1)• Only change to technical legality of
nomenclatural availability, not necessarily change to taxonomic practice
• Not from the perspective of the taxonomists (virtually same as Scenario #1)
• Only change to technical legality of nomenclatural availability, not necessarily change to taxonomic practice
Scenario #2:Registration = Availability
Scenario #2:Registration = Availability
Disadvantages (and Rebuttal)Disadvantages (and Rebuttal)
• More extensive changes likely needed in the Code, such that it could probably only be implemented in the 5th Edition of the ICZN Code (perhaps 5-10 years away; well past 2008)
• More extensive changes likely needed in the Code, such that it could probably only be implemented in the 5th Edition of the ICZN Code (perhaps 5-10 years away; well past 2008)
• So be it – it will probably take several years to work out the details and demonstrate the feasibility via a working voluntary registration system anyway
• So be it – it will probably take several years to work out the details and demonstrate the feasibility via a working voluntary registration system anyway
Scenario #2:Registration = Availability
Scenario #2:Registration = Availability
Disadvantages (and Rebuttal)Disadvantages (and Rebuttal)
• Taxonomists would lose their primary benchmark for establishing professional status (i.e., their CV’s would have fewer publications listed)
• Taxonomists would lose their primary benchmark for establishing professional status (i.e., their CV’s would have fewer publications listed)
• Professional status is established by publishing articles on scientific taxonomy and classification, which would continue exactly as before (only the legalities of nomenclature would be dissociated from publications – not the science of taxonomy)
• Professional status is established by publishing articles on scientific taxonomy and classification, which would continue exactly as before (only the legalities of nomenclature would be dissociated from publications – not the science of taxonomy)
Scenario #2:Registration = Availability
Scenario #2:Registration = Availability
Disadvantages (and Rebuttal)Disadvantages (and Rebuttal)
• Journals might no longer publish taxonomic descriptions if the articles no longer carry the “prestige” of establishing new names and acts in accordance with ICZN rules
• Journals might no longer publish taxonomic descriptions if the articles no longer carry the “prestige” of establishing new names and acts in accordance with ICZN rules• Prestige in scientific publications comes from the
quality of the science content of the published articles; not from fulfilling a legalistic technicality for nomenclatural availability
• Prestige in scientific publications comes from the quality of the science content of the published articles; not from fulfilling a legalistic technicality for nomenclatural availability
Scenario #2:Registration = Availability
Scenario #2:Registration = Availability
Disadvantages (and Rebuttal)Disadvantages (and Rebuttal)
• Elimination of quality control/peer review from process of establishing new names and nomenclatural acts
• Elimination of quality control/peer review from process of establishing new names and nomenclatural acts• No different from current situation or Scenario #1,
because the ICZN Code does not require peer review or quality control (nor should it?)
• No different from current situation or Scenario #1, because the ICZN Code does not require peer review or quality control (nor should it?)
• True, but the ICZN requirement for publication de-facto forces most names & acts through peer review
• True, but the ICZN requirement for publication de-facto forces most names & acts through peer review• No rebuttal• No rebuttal
Scenario #2:Registration = Availability
Scenario #2:Registration = Availability
Disadvantages (and Rebuttal)Disadvantages (and Rebuttal)
• Bad taxonomists (and non-taxonomists) might abuse the system by registering hundreds of bogus and unneeded names, perhaps for unscrupulous reasons (e.g., selling names for money)
• Bad taxonomists (and non-taxonomists) might abuse the system by registering hundreds of bogus and unneeded names, perhaps for unscrupulous reasons (e.g., selling names for money)
• Again: no difference from current situation or Scenario #1, because the ICZN Code does not require peer review or quality control (e.g., self-publishing)
• Again: no difference from current situation or Scenario #1, because the ICZN Code does not require peer review or quality control (e.g., self-publishing)
Scenario #2:Registration = Availability
Scenario #2:Registration = Availability
Disadvantages (and Rebuttal)Disadvantages (and Rebuttal)
• Lazy taxonomists might never get around to publishing the full description after the name is registered, potentially creating many names without robust taxonomic definitions
• Lazy taxonomists might never get around to publishing the full description after the name is registered, potentially creating many names without robust taxonomic definitions• Once again: no difference from current situation or
Scenario #1, because nothing is currently stopping lazy taxonomists from self-publishing minimalist descriptions that meet minimal Code requirements, exactly as a Registration entry would
• Once again: no difference from current situation or Scenario #1, because nothing is currently stopping lazy taxonomists from self-publishing minimalist descriptions that meet minimal Code requirements, exactly as a Registration entry would
Scenario #2:Registration = Availability
Scenario #2:Registration = Availability
SummarySummary• The Registration Web site hosts a full-
blown, edited, peer-reviewed online journal (like ZooTaxa) in which ALL names and acts must be published
• The science of taxonomy becomes part of the nomenclatural process (by Code)
• Submitted manuscripts are open to non-anonymous review by any interested or concerned taxonomist
• The Registration Web site hosts a full-blown, edited, peer-reviewed online journal (like ZooTaxa) in which ALL names and acts must be published
• The science of taxonomy becomes part of the nomenclatural process (by Code)
• Submitted manuscripts are open to non-anonymous review by any interested or concerned taxonomist
Scenario #3:Registration = Publication = Availability
Scenario #3:Registration = Publication = Availability
Procedure (Pre-Publication)Procedure (Pre-Publication)
Taxon Author(s)Taxon Author(s) ICZN/ZooBank/PublicationICZN/ZooBank/Publication
If ultimately accepted via the review process, names/acts are deemed to be formally registered
If ultimately accepted via the review process, names/acts are deemed to be formally registered
Manuscript is posted publicly, and open to non-anonymous review by any interested taxonomist
(automated alert system notifies community of new names/acts within their taxonomic groups of interest)
Manuscript is posted publicly, and open to non-anonymous review by any interested taxonomist
(automated alert system notifies community of new names/acts within their taxonomic groups of interest)
Submits manuscript for publication, with scientific rationale and full-blown
description/details, to single online journal administered by ZooBank
Submits manuscript for publication, with scientific rationale and full-blown
description/details, to single online journal administered by ZooBank
Revises manuscript, in accordance with comments & criticisms received from
online reviewers
Revises manuscript, in accordance with comments & criticisms received from
online reviewers
Name is Available, using date ofAcceptance for priority purposesName is Available, using date ofAcceptance for priority purposes
Scenario #3:Registration = Publication = Availability
Scenario #3:Registration = Publication = Availability
AdvantagesAdvantages
• All taxonomic publications would appear in a single venue (as is now done for Bacteria), instead of scattered across thousands of journals
• No longer the potential for one author to “steal” another’s work by trying to submit a plagiarized work to a journal that has a faster turnaround time
• All taxonomic publications would appear in a single venue (as is now done for Bacteria), instead of scattered across thousands of journals
• No longer the potential for one author to “steal” another’s work by trying to submit a plagiarized work to a journal that has a faster turnaround time
Scenario #3:Registration = Publication = Availability
Scenario #3:Registration = Publication = Availability
AdvantagesAdvantages
• All manuscripts are examined by a large contingent of reviewers, instead of just a handful, greatly improving the reviews as well as democratizing the process
• The reviews are public, instead of anonymous, so personal grudges or biases of the reviewers are exposed to scrutiny by the whole community
• All manuscripts are examined by a large contingent of reviewers, instead of just a handful, greatly improving the reviews as well as democratizing the process
• The reviews are public, instead of anonymous, so personal grudges or biases of the reviewers are exposed to scrutiny by the whole community
Scenario #3:Registration = Publication = Availability
Scenario #3:Registration = Publication = Availability
AdvantagesAdvantages
• A dedicated nomenclatural journal means that the review criteria will explicitly address all necessary aspects of code-compliance and proper nomenclature
• All the other advantages of an online review process (fast, iterative, open to bidirectional feedback, etc.)
• NO COPYRIGHT ISSUES!!!
• A dedicated nomenclatural journal means that the review criteria will explicitly address all necessary aspects of code-compliance and proper nomenclature
• All the other advantages of an online review process (fast, iterative, open to bidirectional feedback, etc.)
• NO COPYRIGHT ISSUES!!!
Scenario #3:Registration = Publication = Availability
Scenario #3:Registration = Publication = Availability
Disadvantages (and Rebuttal)Disadvantages (and Rebuttal)
• Represents a MAJOR and fundamental change to the way taxonomy is done, both in terms of legalities of nomenclature and for the science of taxonomy
• Represents a MAJOR and fundamental change to the way taxonomy is done, both in terms of legalities of nomenclature and for the science of taxonomy
• With such major changes come major advantages, and the trade-off is worth it
• With such major changes come major advantages, and the trade-off is worth it
Scenario #3:Registration = Publication = Availability
Scenario #3:Registration = Publication = Availability
Disadvantages (and Rebuttal)Disadvantages (and Rebuttal)
• Many taxonomic groups do not have many (or even any) experts who would serve as reviewers, and thus submitted manuscripts may never receive peer-review
• Many taxonomic groups do not have many (or even any) experts who would serve as reviewers, and thus submitted manuscripts may never receive peer-review• This problem is equally true for traditional
publication venues as well; but with only one “official” taxonomic journal with potentially thousands of regular participants, there is a better chance of finding someone who is qualified to review the manuscript
• This problem is equally true for traditional publication venues as well; but with only one “official” taxonomic journal with potentially thousands of regular participants, there is a better chance of finding someone who is qualified to review the manuscript
Scenario #3:Registration = Publication = Availability
Scenario #3:Registration = Publication = Availability
Disadvantages (and Rebuttal)Disadvantages (and Rebuttal)
• More extensive changes likely needed in the Code, such that it could probably only be implemented in the 5th Edition of the ICZN Code (perhaps 5-10 years away; well past 2008)
• More extensive changes likely needed in the Code, such that it could probably only be implemented in the 5th Edition of the ICZN Code (perhaps 5-10 years away; well past 2008)
• So be it – it will probably take several years to work out the details and demonstrate the feasibility via a working voluntary registration system anyway
• So be it – it will probably take several years to work out the details and demonstrate the feasibility via a working voluntary registration system anyway
Scenario #3:Registration = Publication = Availability
Scenario #3:Registration = Publication = Availability
Disadvantages (and Rebuttal)Disadvantages (and Rebuttal)
• Such a system would impose a huge burden on the taxonomic community to provide peer reviews to 20,000+ new names each year
• Such a system would impose a huge burden on the taxonomic community to provide peer reviews to 20,000+ new names each year
• No more burden than already exists: for every manuscript that is submitted and reviewed through the official ZooBank online journal, one fewer manuscript is submitted to a traditional journal (i.e., no net increase in total number of manuscripts to review)
• No more burden than already exists: for every manuscript that is submitted and reviewed through the official ZooBank online journal, one fewer manuscript is submitted to a traditional journal (i.e., no net increase in total number of manuscripts to review)
Scenario #3:Registration = Publication = Availability
Scenario #3:Registration = Publication = Availability
Disadvantages (and Rebuttal)Disadvantages (and Rebuttal)
• Existing journals that depend on taxonomic descriptions and nomenclatural acts to fill their pages and maintain a subscriber base may be driven out of business
• Existing journals that depend on taxonomic descriptions and nomenclatural acts to fill their pages and maintain a subscriber base may be driven out of business
• Since when is it the job of scientists to keep journal publishers in business? Journals exist to serve scientists, not the other way around
• Since when is it the job of scientists to keep journal publishers in business? Journals exist to serve scientists, not the other way around
Scenario #3:Registration = Publication = Availability
Scenario #3:Registration = Publication = Availability
Disadvantages (and Rebuttal)Disadvantages (and Rebuttal)
• The criteria for determining when a submitted manuscript should be deemed “accepted”, and when (and by whom) will always be a subjective and contentious issue
• The criteria for determining when a submitted manuscript should be deemed “accepted”, and when (and by whom) will always be a subjective and contentious issue• Each manuscript would be assigned to an
impartial “referee” (whose specialty is outside the particular taxon involved), who is fully versed in the ICZN Code – serving the same role as a journal editor
• Each manuscript would be assigned to an impartial “referee” (whose specialty is outside the particular taxon involved), who is fully versed in the ICZN Code – serving the same role as a journal editor
Scenario #3:Registration = Publication = Availability
Scenario #3:Registration = Publication = Availability
Disadvantages (and Rebuttal)Disadvantages (and Rebuttal)
• The legalities of nomenclatural availability and the subjective science of taxonomy would, for the first time, be formally coupled under Code rules
• The legalities of nomenclatural availability and the subjective science of taxonomy would, for the first time, be formally coupled under Code rules
• And this is bad because....? • And this is bad because....?
Scenario #3:Registration = Publication = Availability
Scenario #3:Registration = Publication = Availability
(i.e., some people feel that quality control/peer review should be part of the Code requirements for nomenclatural availability)
(i.e., some people feel that quality control/peer review should be part of the Code requirements for nomenclatural availability)
References CitedReferences Cited
http://list.afriherp.org/pipermail/zoobank-list/2005-September/000003.html
http://list.afriherp.org/pipermail/zoobank-list/2005-September/000003.html
ZooBank Technical Article:ZooBank Technical Article:
Doug Yanega Post to ZooBank List, 22 Sep 2005:Doug Yanega Post to ZooBank List, 22 Sep 2005:
http://www.iczn.org/new%20ZooBank.htmhttp://www.iczn.org/new%20ZooBank.htm
Polaszek et al., 2005. ZooBank: the open-access register for zoological taxonomy: Technical Discussion Paper. ICZN Website. 10 pp.
Polaszek et al., 2005. ZooBank: the open-access register for zoological taxonomy: Technical Discussion Paper. ICZN Website. 10 pp.