ZIMS and beyond!
Next Offered:
February 4-9, 2013
Oglebay Resort
Wheeling, WV
Course Description
Institutional Records Keeping offers students the theory and mechanics of animal records-keeping and identifies the important role accurate records play in successful animal management not only within the institution but also in regional and global cooperative species management programs. This course offers students training that will integrate best practices for accurate data entry and standardization of data along with technical instruction. This instruction is in the most updated application of ISIS’ Zoological Information Management System – ZIMS 2012 - which will be deployed in early 2012. This course provides students exposure to the most current technology that defines the future of animal records keeping.
Tuition & Expenses
Early Bird Rates:
$850 for AZA Individual Members
$950 for Non-members
Regular Rates:
$950 for AZA Individual Members
$1050 for Non-members
Optional Fees:
$20 for Continuing Education Units (CEUs) - this option is available to anyone
$1,000 for graduate credit as a student in George Mason University's Zoo & Aquarium Leadership program
$1,480.75 for graduate credit as an in-state (Virginia) student not enrolled in George Mason University
$3,427.00 for graduate credit as an out-of-state student not enrolled in George Mason University
Use the Expense Estimation worksheet to calculate the total cost of attending, including registration, hotel, transportation and meals.
Scholarship funding is available through a competitive process.
Target Audience
This course is designed for records keepers, registrars, ZIMS users, curators, collection managers, records specialists, records managers, and information specialists.
Prerequisites
None. Priority will be given to individuals associated with AZA accredited institutions. If you are not employed by a zoo or aquarium, please submit a letter describing your interest in taking the course; instructors will then determine whether the class would suit your needs.
Course Registration
Checks sent for course payment will be cashed immediately upon receipt as per standard business practices. Cashing your check does not indicate that you have been accepted into a course. You will receive an acceptance email or waitlist email once acceptance decisions are made.
Travel & Accommodations
Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) is the closest airport. Airport Limousine Plus and First Class Limo provide a shuttle service between PIT and the hotel.
Course participants stay at Oglebay Resort & Conference Center in Wheeling, West Virginia and classes meet on-site.
Please wait until you are admitted into the course before making your reservations. You will receive an email containing detailed information regarding your accommodations and transportation once you are admitted.
Course Topics & Instructors
Topic 101: Introduction: Records and Data Schwartz
Status of biodiversity
History and evolution of record-keeping
Importance of accurate record-keeping
Topic 102: ZIMS – Getting Started ISIS Staff
Introduction to ZIMS 2012 application – hosting and security information
Topic 103: Accessions into ZIMS Miller
Initial accessions into ZIMS
Differences of acquisitions from ZIMS versus non-ZIMS institutions
Data entry for all modes of acquisitions besides births
Topic 104: Dispositions Miller
Differences of dispositions to ZIMS versus non-ZIMS institutions
Data entry for all dispositions except for deaths
Topic 105: Accessions - Births; Dispositions - Deaths Favata
Principles of birth accessions and death dispositions
Data entry for birth accessions and death dispositions
Topic 106: Estimating Dates Miller
When to use estimated dates
How to select appropriate type of estimated date
Topic 107: Organization of My Institution Miller
Organizing your staff and creating Roles
Teams and Departments
Collections
Adding local institutions
Topic 108: Notes and Observations Miller
Purpose of Notes and Observations
Defining the difference between recording a Note or an Observation
Topic 109: Enclosure Organization Miller
Developing the Enclosure Tree
Recording Enclosure dimensions and barriers
Adding plants, furniture, substrates and planned taxa
Merging Enclosures (physical and data quality)
Topic 110: Animal Identifiers McDuffie
Recording Identifiers
Creating and managing the Transponder Inventory
Topic 111: Animal Measurements McDuffie
Recording animal weights
Recording animal lengths
Topic 112: Sex and Contraception Miller
Defining Sex Types and how to record
Defining Contraception Types and how to record them
Local versus global sex display
Topic 113: Transactions (between ISIS members) Miller
How to send and receive animals between ISIS members
The pending transactions tab actions
Receiver initiated transactions
Topic 114: Communication Schwartz
Basic communication skills
Emotional Intelligence factors in effective communication
Social networking
Topic 115: ISIS Community Portal and ZIMS ISIS Staff
Single sign-on accounts
My Sites – social networking for zoos, aquariums and conservation community
IRK portal site
Topic 116: Groups Favata
Individual versus Group
Methods of tracking Groups
Recording a Group Census
Topic 117: Taxonomy Favata
Importance of identification of species/subspecies and accurate data entry
Recording hybrids
Local versus global taxonomic display
Topic 118: Feeding Log Miller
Difference between animal and enclosure Feeding Log
Tracking diet consumption
Topic 119: Permits McDuffie
Government agencies requiring permits
Permitting procedures
Tracking your permits
Entering your permits into ZIMS
Topic 120: Population Management Schwartz
Importance, terms and theory, impact of data
Types of analyses and reports
Impact of ZIMS on SSPs and studbooks
Sustainability of Population Management Programs
Topic 121: Animal and Enclosure Alerts McDuffie
Use of Alerts
Data entry into Animal and Enclosure Alerts
Topic 122: Training and Event Log Schwartz
Recording the behavior being trained
Tracking the status of a specific behavior
Use of the Training Event Log to record the training for a specific behavior
Topic 123: Historical Records Miller
Importance and uses of historical data
Identify sources of historical records
Recommended guidelines for entering historical data
Topic 124: Life Support Management Miller
Creating Life Supports
Attaching components to Life Support
Attaching Life Supports to enclosures
Topic 125: Records and Information Management Favata
Definitions and principles
Development of a records management program
Access to records by public and the media
Topic 126: Institution Organization Interactive IRK Team
Practical application for setting up institutional organization
Topic 127: Shipping Tips and Tricks McDuffie
Role of the records keeper in shipping
Role of brokers and when to use them
Paperwork required
Topic 128: ZIMS Future ISIS Staff
What’s next with ZIMS
Glenous Favata, Registrar
Toledo Zoo
Josh Corteau, ISIS Training Coordinator
International Species Information Systems (ISIS)
Lynn McDuffie, Assistant Curator of Records
Disney's Animal Kingdom
Adrienne Miller, Subject Matter Expert
International Species Information Systems (ISIS)
Karin Schwartz, Conservation Fellow
Rare
Questions?
For additional details please contact the AZA Professional Development Program Manager or call (301) 562-0777.