Geoscience Information and Knowledge Exchange Directorate
| Information Management

The Information Management programme is responsible for the management of all records, data and other information within the BGS. This includes all digital databases and collections such as paper records, maps and plans, images, archives, rocks, minerals, fossils and borehole core. The aim is to manage the information in a coherent and integrated manner for the benefit of the citizen, industry and NERC scientists.

In late 2008 the BGS commissioned an independent review of all its facilities used to store collections of onshore and offshore cores, paper records, magnetic tapes, samples etc. This review was undertaken by the Tribal Group plc, and the final report can be downloaded here.

There are 5 teams within the Information Management programme:

• Collections Management
  Mike Howe
  Since 1835, the gathering of geological material has been one of BGS' more significant functions. Many important collections have evolved, including: Biostratigraphy; Borehole; Marine; Petrology; Building Stones, and Geochemistry. They form an important part of the national geological heritage. This team manages BGS' Collections in a coherent, integrated and professional manner for the benefit of staff, industry, academia and the public. It works closely with the Collections' users, through the independent advisory committee, to ensure that best practice is followed in curation and conservation. Online databases (including GeoIndex), downloadable catalogues and presentations at meetings ensure that knowledge of the collections is widespread.
  
• Database Solutions
  Garry Baker
  The 'Database Solutions' team manages through a number of projects the corporate database and associated geoscience systems utilised by BGS staff at all sites. The aim of the team is the professional management and high integrity of the data held by the organisation. This can be maintained, mined or queried by users using a range of corporately developed applications to store and extract suitably qualified data for use within geoscience projects or investigations.
  
• Information Management Focus and Operations
  Linda Ault
  This team will focus on enhancing the management and promotion of data and information collected, derived and used within BGS. By developing and guiding the adoption of organized and consistent data operations, the team will ensure best value for all users of BGS information. Such proactive management of corporate geological data and information will underpin appropriate elements of BGS core activities. Overall the team will guide and encourage the improvement of information management practice and quality across the organization, ensuring data are appropriately handled and preserved, so they can be used, and re-used, by future researchers, and exploited to maximum benefit by the educational and commercial sectors.
  
• OneGeology
  Ian Jackson
  OneGeology is an international initiative of the geological surveys of the world and a flagship project of the 'International Year of Planet Earth'. Its aim is to create dynamic geological map data of the world available via the web. This will create a focus for accessing geological information for everyone. Thanks to the enthusiasm and support of participating nations the initiative has progressed rapidly and geological surveys and the many users of their data are excited about this ground-breaking project.
  
• Records Management
  Leilani Smith
  The aim of the Records Management Team is to manage both analogue and digital records in accordance with best practice, as set out in the Lord Chancellors Code of Practice on the Management of Records. The objective of this work is to implement effective procedures to enhance records quality and improve accessibility, underpinning key BGS activities. Liaising closely with the Information Management Focus and Operations staff, the Team specialists will manage BGS geoscientific records and data throughout the information lifecycle. Team members will also contribute expertise to the ongoing implementation and operation of the ERMS system and, through Objective, the management of BGS operational and administrative records.