Use of web-based species occurrence information systems by academics and government professionals

Web-based information systems designed to increase access to species occurrence data for use in research and natural resource decision-making have become more prevalent over the past few decades. The effectiveness of these systems depends on their usability and extent of use by their intended audiences. We conducted an online survey of academics and government professionals in the United States to compare their species occurrence data needs and their perceptions and use of web-based species occurrence information systems. Our results indicate that although views and perceptions held by academics and government professionals about the importance, usefulness, and ease of use of these information systems tend to be similar, there were differences in their use of species occurrence data and web-based species occurrence information systems. The baseline information obtained in this study will help inform future directions for improvements in species occurrence information systems.近几十年来，专为提升科研与自然资源决策场景下物种出现数据（species occurrence data）获取便利性而开发的网络化信息系统愈发普及。此类系统的效能取决于其易用性与目标受众的使用广度。本研究针对美国学术界人士与政府公职人员开展了一项在线调查，对比二者在物种出现数据方面的需求，以及对网络化物种出现信息系统（web-based species occurrence information systems）的认知与使用情况。研究结果显示，尽管学术界与政府公职人员对这类信息系统的重要性、实用性及易用性的认知大体相近，但二者在物种出现数据的使用模式，以及网络化物种出现信息系统的使用实践上存在差异。本研究获取的基准信息，可为未来优化物种出现信息系统的发展方向提供科学参考。