Project Overview
About the Library
IFML is a public-facing archive for high-resolution forestry media, datasets, SOPs, and reusable research materials with an emphasis on repeatable methods, open licensing, and citable publication.
The Iowa Forestry Media Library (IFML) is an open-access initiative focused on recording and publishing high-quality forestry media and supporting resources, including dendrology specimen imagery, field photos, datasets, SOPs, toolkits, and other documentation tied to forestry workflows. The project supports accurate identification, instruction, research, and long-term reuse with materials that preserve technical detail well beyond what is typical in low-resolution reference collections.
Standard photography can introduce lens distortion, uneven lighting, and depth-of-field limitations. IFML addresses that with flatbed capture and related digitization workflows that can reach up to 2400 DPI optical resolution when needed, preserving venation patterns, trichome density, bud scale arrangement, bark texture, and leaf margin detail with scientific fidelity.
Rather than functioning as a broad unsorted image repository, IFML is built as a curated archive where individual records are organized, documented, and prepared to be more dependable for teaching, research, reference, and long-term public use.
Who it serves
Researchers, instructors, students, foresters, naturalists, and designers who need reliable visual reference material.
What gets published
Records may include access packages, archival packages, datasets, photos, SOPs, toolkits, and other project files depending on the material.
Why Zenodo
Permanent DOIs make the records citable and easier to incorporate into academic and educational workflows.
At A Glance
What IFML Includes
More than scans, organized for research, teaching, and long-term reuse.
Specimen Scans
High-resolution flatbed capture for diagnostic detail and archival retention.
Photos
Context images, habit shots, and supporting forestry visuals for interpretation and outreach.
Datasets
Metadata, tracking records, and reusable supporting data tied to published materials.
SOPs
Repeatable protocols for capture, handling, naming, and publication workflows.
Toolkits
Resources that support education, fieldwork, extension, and workflow development.
DOI Records
Zenodo-backed releases that are easier to cite, share, and preserve over time.
Use Cases
Who This Collection Is For
Built for practical use, not only archive storage.
Teaching Labs
Support forestry, dendrology, botany, and natural resource instruction with clearer examples and reusable teaching materials.
Research
Support image-based comparison, dependable reference use, and records that are easier to cite and revisit.
Field Reference
Provide dependable photos, scans, and packaged records that are easier to search, interpret, and reuse.
Extension & Outreach
Provide cleaner materials for guides, presentations, maps, and public-facing forestry resources.
Mission
Build a curated, high-resolution digital archive of Midwest tree species and related forestry media with consistent technical standards, clear naming conventions, and long-term public access.
Capture
Create high-fidelity scans, photos, and supporting media.
Document
Standardize metadata, filenames, and handling notes.
Package
Prepare access files, archival files, and reusable derivatives.
Publish
Release materials through Zenodo as stable, DOI-backed records.
Record Structure
How A Record Is Organized
Files are prepared so users can understand what they are opening before they download everything.
Master Capture
The highest-quality source file, retained for preservation and derivative creation.
Access Package
Practical files intended for browsing, classroom use, presentation, and everyday reference.
Archival Package
Higher-integrity files and supporting materials for closer inspection, preservation, and long-term reuse.
DOI Record
A Zenodo publication with structured metadata, citation support, and stable public access.
Methodology
- Capture: Large-format flatbed scanning and related media workflows preserve fine structures without lens distortion and support outputs up to 2400 DPI when appropriate.
- Standards: Consistent file naming, metadata, and export packages support predictable long-term reuse across scans, datasets, photos, and documentation.
- Verification: Specimens are tied to verified collections and reviewed before publication.
- Scope: Current emphasis is on Midwest tree species, with particular depth in Iowa hardwood flora.
Why Curation Matters
Large image collections can be useful for volume, but volume alone does not make a collection dependable. IFML is built around curation so records are easier to trust, easier to cite, and easier to find when you need a specific species, structure, or media type.
Labeling quality, metadata clarity, package structure, and search usefulness are treated as part of the record itself rather than cleanup work left to the user.
Collection Scope
What Fits The Archive
Open to a wide range of forestry and natural resource materials, with review before publication.
In Scope
- Anything forestry or natural resource related
- Leaf and tree imagery, especially high-value reference material
- Datasets, maps, scans, photos, SOPs, toolkits, and supporting documentation
- Materials that improve identification, teaching, research, or field workflows
Publication Filter
- Submission does not guarantee publication
- Materials are reviewed for quality, labeling, usefulness, and fit
- Contact is required first; there is no formal public submission workflow yet
- Preference is currently strongest for leaf and tree imagery, datasets, and maps
Featured Materials
Current Examples
Pulled from the current site and publication flow.
Open Access
Published datasets, access packages, archival packages, and related project resources are hosted on Zenodo for long-term preservation and DOI assignment. Supporting documentation, protocols, and tools are linked from the Docs & Standards page.
FAQ
Common Questions
How should IFML materials be cited?
Use the individual Zenodo DOI whenever a specific published record exists. Use the archive-level citation only for the broader project or website.
Can these materials be reused?
Yes. Published materials are intended for reuse under the stated open license, with attribution and record-specific citation where appropriate.
What is an archival package?
An archival package contains higher-integrity files and supporting materials intended for preservation, closer inspection, and more demanding reuse.
Why are some records missing?
Some materials may still be in capture, metadata review, packaging, or publication preparation before public release.
Can I submit material?
Yes, but contact is required first. IFML does not yet have a formal public submission process, and not every submission will be added.
What is most useful right now?
Leaf and tree imagery are especially useful right now, along with datasets and maps tied to forestry or natural resource work.
Contribute / Contact
IFML is open to contributions related to forestry or natural resource topics, including scans, photos, datasets, maps, SOPs, toolkits, and supporting files. Contact is required first, and materials are reviewed before anything is added to the archive.
For questions, corrections, contribution ideas, or collaboration, email contact@iowaforestrymedialibrary.org.