The AKN is interested in any datasets of bird distribution.

• Our goal is to organize both observational data and data gathered using constant effort capture methods (i.e. bird banding stations).
•  Data providers have complete control of access to their data, and can how it can be used.

The AKN is federating datasets through distributed Grid technologies. These technologies include:

• Software to link disparate datasets via Internet technologies.
• Metadata variables that provide information for project discovery and data exchange.
• Data storage structures that create a persistent archive.

Steps to participating:

1. Fill out the descriptive metadata for the Bird Monitoring Data Registry. This provides information on the ownership, access rights, storage, and project description.
2. Map the data fields of the original database to the metadata exchange descriptors of the Bird Monitoring Data Exchange.
3. Set up the DiGIR Portal Provider on a computer connected to the Internet. We recommend following the implementation standards established by GBIF (http://www.gbif.org).

Contact us for more information on how to contribute to the AKN.