A Globally Unique Identifier (GUID) is a unique reference number used as an identifier. Complexities associated with specimens and associated, dynamic data in natural history collections have led to differences in opinions about how to create GUIDs and where they are required vs. recommended. This guide is intended to give data providers the information necessary to assign GUIDs that will allow iDigBio to ingest and share data. Suggestions for improvements to this guide are welcome, and can be inserted as comments on https://www.idigbio.org/content/guid-guide.
A more general discussion on the use of identifiers in natural history collections is appropriate in iDigBio’s community forums: https://www.idigbio.org/forums/identifiers-natural-history-collections.
