Transcribing
elephant
biology data for
better access:
Using REDCap for data collection &
quality control.
Dan Reboussin
Hannah Norton
Library mini grant MG31
Photo credit: Matt and Kim Rudge http://www.flickr.com/photos/mattandkim/94501077/sizes/z/in/photostream/
Learning objectives
Project background and purpose
 Successfully login to REDCap
 Understand where to find help
 Create an accurate, complete transcription record
 Submit sample data record for evaluation
 Know criteria to qualify for this temporary, part time
position

Project
background
Photo credit: Matt and Kim Rudge http://www.flickr.com/photos/mattandkim/94501077/sizes/z/in/photostream/
Historical background
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Humane herd culling to alleviate habitat loss:
3,175 animals (1965-1969)
Targeted restricted, overpopulated, stressed
habitats
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Budongo Forest, Uganda
Mkomazi National Park, Tanzania
Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda
Tsavo National Park, Kenya
Biological measurement data collected
taking advantage of unique situation
Project goal: Better access to
unique, important data
“The primary goal of the Elephant Data Sheets project (part
of the Ian Parker Collection of East African Wildlife
Conservation) is to make a unique and significant data set
conveniently accessible and directly useable for analysis by
(for example) biology students, wildlife conservation
researchers, and veterinary practitioners. These scientifically
valuable primary resources are already available as open
access images online. Their value for teaching and research
will be increased enormously, however, when they are
transcribed to a machine readable data file. This project will
signal the availability of these materials, encourage their use
in academics and among practitioners, and will provide a
level of access that is certain to make the data set a
popular resource.”
Library mini grant: http://www.ufdc.ufl.edu/IR00003175
REDCap login
Photo credit: Matt and Kim Rudge http://www.flickr.com/photos/mattandkim/94501077/sizes/z/in/photostream/
Login and select project
First request an account (email danrebo@ufl.edu), then search
“REDCap UF” or go to: https://www.ctsi.ufl.edu/research/researchsupport/redcap/
Login and select project
Find the project instrument matching your assigned sheets
After your account is activated, search for “REDCap UF” or go to:
https://www.ctsi.ufl.edu/research/research-support/redcap/
Creating a
record in
REDCap
Photo credit: Matt and Kim Rudge http://www.flickr.com/photos/mattandkim/94501077/sizes/z/in/photostream/
REDCap instrument
REDCap instrument
Save early and often – there is no auto-save!
Mark forms as Incomplete or Complete to keep
track of your progress. Not every field must be
filled out for a form to be “Complete.”
Online help
resources
Photo credit: Matt and Kim Rudge http://www.flickr.com/photos/mattandkim/94501077/sizes/z/in/photostream/
Help is available
http://guides.uflib.ufl.edu/data_sheets
Online resources
•Elephant data sheets: REDCap transcription instrument
•Parker elephant data sheets (images at UFDC)
•REDCap training resources
•Basic Data Entry demonstration video (16 min.)
Links at http://guides.uflib.ufl.edu/data_sheets
Online resources
•Elephant data sheets: REDCap transcription instrument
•Parker elephant data sheets (images at UFDC)
•REDCap training resources
•Basic Data Entry demonstration video (16 min.)
Links at http://guides.uflib.ufl.edu/data_sheets
Data sheet examples
http://ufdc.ufl.edu/AA00013409
Online resources
•Elephant data sheets: REDCap transcription instrument
•Parker elephant data sheets (images at UFDC)
•REDCap training resources
•Basic Data Entry demonstration video (16 min.)
Links at http://guides.uflib.ufl.edu/data_sheets
REDCap Training
video
You must first be
logged in to view
data entry training
video
Online help
resources: Even
more help
Photo credit: Matt and Kim Rudge http://www.flickr.com/photos/mattandkim/94501077/sizes/z/in/photostream/
More help available online: converting units
http://guides.uflib.ufl.edu/data_sheets
Caution: inconsistent units!
When two values are separated by /
assume the first is Right, second is Left
unless otherwise indicated.
Working in several windows
Data units converter
Field data sheet
REDCap template
Dual monitor ("high performance") workstations available in Library West and @ Health
Science Center Library): http://www.uflib.ufl.edu/mobile2/computers/all.html
Maximum expected measurements
http://guides.uflib.ufl.edu/data_sheets
How can you
participate?
Photo credit: Matt and Kim Rudge http://www.flickr.com/photos/mattandkim/94501077/sizes/z/in/photostream/
Submit sample records
for review and evaluation
To participate:
o Request a REDCap account with danrebo@ufl.edu
o Login and watch the REDCap data entry video
o Transcribe a few records (3-5 is good)
o Let us know the ID numbers you’ve completed
o We’ll evaluate them for accuracy and reply
o Apply for OPS job position in UF Smathers Libraries:
https://jobs.ufl.edu/postings/
o You can also volunteer (please contact us)
o Our emails are: danrebo@ufl.edu and nortonh@ufl.edu
Job requirements & qualifications
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
o Request REDCap account (email danrebo@ufl.edu) and sign in with Gator 1 card
o Complete competency test as required (online training and support provided)
o Must be dependable, self-directed, and detail-oriented
o Ability to follow detailed instructions consistently
o Must create quality data records consistently (quality control will rate your work)
o Computer skills, ability to locate records in database, working with numbers
o Comfortable reading online data sheets, patience reading difficult handwritten records
including unfamiliar (foreign) terms
o Comfortable converting units from English/Standard units employed on online sheets to
metric units as directed (using online unit calculators consistently)
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
o Biology background, familiarity with medical terms
o Familiarity with African place names
o Excellent database and web searching skills
o Ability to work independently once trained
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
o Applicants must provide copy of a valid, current work permit, ID, and other information
on request
o Apply online at: https://jobs.ufl.edu/postings/
Apply online at: https://jobs.ufl.edu/postings/
Contact us: danrebo@ufl.edu and nortonh@ufl.edu
The end (thanks)!