The first half of the third quarter saw the completion of the second phase of the Species Toolkit. Templates were completed to publish Species Web pages and Taxonomist Web pages. These features are currently in Beta stage and can be viewed at http://www.speciestoolkit.org/species_toolkit_dev/index.jsp

Species Web Pages

The species template will provide a mechanism for taxonomists to create and update species pages. These species web pages, along with the species search engine will provide the backbone for the Encyclopedia of Life.

Taxonomist Database

A taxonomist registration system and member profile pages have been built to support the community of people who will be adding information to the encyclopedia of life. These taxonomist pages provide a place for specialists to describe their research, affiliations, and interests. Links between these pages and the information provided by the taxonomists will run throughout the Encyclopedia.

Taxonomist Community Board

The next tool currently under development, an online taxonomist community board, which will provide a suite of services for taxonomists. It will be a platform to link taxonomists globally where they can gather information about relevant projects, requests for proposals, and post and view resumes. It is hoped that these community services will provide one place for taxonomists to find specialists in other areas and discover projects about which they may not have heard.

This integrated system will serve as the platform for continued development of the ALL Species Toolkit.