2. How do I get a user account?
   - Use of the Identification Services must be arranged and agreed upon ahead of time through discussions with the curator in charge (Currently this is John Rawlins).  Agreement is required for aspects of cost and for procedures such as screening, specimen identification, vouchering, and sample archiving. 

3.  Can I change and/or update my user account information?
    -  Yes!  After you login, just click the 'My Account' link in the upper right-hand corner of most pages on the site.  Make the changes you want and then click the 'Update My Account' button.  You are encouraged to update your information as necessary with changes to your Username, Password, and contact information.

4.  Is there any information available on how to use this website?
   -  In most cases, the use of the site is straight forward, with comments on use and functionality available while mousing-over icons or text.  A user manual for the site is available for download as a PDF file.  To download, you must first login and then select the User Manual link on the menu bar to the left.  

5. Can I add my sample data online ahead of time?
    - YES !  After you log in, on the project list page, click the Add button (little blue + icon in the "Add" column) to enter information for a new sample.

6. Can I submit my sample and collection data electronically?
    - YES !  After you log in, select the menu item "Upload DB Files".  Select the file(s) you want to upload and then click the 'Upload' button.  You should receive a message that the file uploaded successfully.  Please note, uploaded database files should be in Microsoft Access format, preferably Access version 2000 or later.  At some point, we will make available an Access file that can be used as a template to help in automating the transfer of collection data directly to the IDS database.  Users will be notified when this file becomes available.

 7. What does the sample "Status" mean on the Project Details Page ?

Awaiting Shipment = The user has entered data online before shipping the sample.  Thus we are waiting for the samples for processing.

Awaiting Sample Data =  We received samples in the mail, but have no collection data to associate with the sample. 
NOTE:  FURTHER PROCESSING AND IDENTIFICATION CANNOT PROCEED WITHOUT THIS DATA !!

Received = The samples have been received in the mail, along with the proper data. (See "Received" column for date received).

In Queue = The sample data has been logged into the CMNH Identification System and is awaiting sorting.  (See "Logged" column for date the sample was logged into the system).

Sorted = The sample has been processed through the sorting phase (now ready for Identification).  (See "Sorted" column for the date the sample sort was completed).

Identified = The sample was examined for target taxa.  If found, alert was sent, and potential targets sent to SEL for confirmation of determination.  (See "Identified" column for date the sample was identified).  At this stage, the sample processing is complete.

Complete =  Individual specimens from the sample, along with locality data and species determinations, have been processed and are ready for curation into the CMNH insect collection (or are already curated there).

8.  What does the sample 'Condition' Indicate?
     -  There are several levels that indicate the quality of samples as they arrive at the IDS facility from the field.  These are generated in order to help users gauge the preservation methods used and to help correct potential problems that may adversely affect collection effort, specimen quality, and resulting identification services.  Basically, a level of Good or higher is acceptable.

Excellent     -- Specimen quality and integrity are excellent, no problems with shipping, etc.

Very Good    -- Specimen quality and integrity are very good, no problems with shipping, etc. 

Good     -- Specimen quality and integrity are good, no problems with shipping, etc.

Fair    -- Specimen quality and integrity is marginal or samples may contain high percentage or debris, possible problems with shipping or low volume of preservative.  Corrective action may be necessary if many samples get this rating.

Poor    -- Specimen quality quite bad but identifications possible with great difficulty. Problems with shipping or preservation of samples. Corrective action may be necessary if many samples get this rating.

Unacceptable - Tossed     -- Specimen quality unacceptable to the point where identification is not possible.  Typically caused by rotting of the sample due to a lack of preservative, high levels of mold and other deleterious fungi.  Corrective action will be necessary if many samples get this rating.