|
Accurate animal records form the basis for effective collection planning, population management and animal husbandry in modern zoological institutions. The objective of the ARAZPA Animal Records Keeping Specialist Advisory Group (ARKSAG) is therefore to provide support and assistance to its members, ARAZPA and its member institutions and related professional organisations to:
- Develop, promote and maintain professional standards for animal records-keeping, data management, transactions and collection policies
- Improve animal data collection systems and data accuracy
- Monitor relevant legislation thereby fulfilling legal obligations to external authorities
- Strive to ensure data accuracy in all ARAZPA institutions are equal to or greater than the global average
- Develop strategies for professional development for ARAZPA organisations’ staff in the field of animal records-keeping
- Encourage participation in the Specialist Advisory Group by all ARAZPA institutional and individual members
- Strive to increase inter-zoo and global communication and cooperation, with particular emphasis on the South-East Asian region.
Advisory Group membership
Membership of ARKSAG is primarily made up of, but not restricted to ARAZPA member institutions, and comprises people responsible for maintaining animal records, including registrars, records officers etc.
Group communication
The group’s primary means of communication will be via the ARKSAG listserve. The moderator of the listserve is currently the Convenor of the group, but this may be reviewed if required.
Positions within the SAG
Positions within the Animal Records Keeping Specialist Advisory Group are:
Convenor – Responsible for the effective running of the group, maintaining lines of communication and cooperating with the meeting host institution to arrange annual meetings. Also responsible for:
- Recording ARKSAG membership
- Encouraging ARAZPA individual membership
- Ensuring compliance with ARAZPA Board policies and requests
- Producing and revising ARKSAG Action Plan
- Evaluating delivery of the annual Action Plan
- Developing an annual Action Plan for ARKSAG and a strategy for its implementation in consultation with members and other specialist groups
- Maintaining data (eg ARAZPA website)
- Coordinating, developing and influencing policy in the area of animal records-keeping
- Delegating responsibility for ARKSAG activities
- Coordinating ARKSAG activities and programs
- Encouraging effective and professional use of the listserv
- Collaborating and communicating with the ARAZPA office and other SAGs and TAGs
Vice-Convenor – Will act as the Convenor in the Convenor’s absence, and assist with effective running of the group.
TAG/SAG Liaison Contacts – Responsible for building and maintaining networks with ARAZPA TAGs, other SAGs, and responsible for the dissemination of relevant information between these groups and members of ARKSAG. SAGs of particular importance to this group’s activities are the Taxonomy and Population Management Advisory Groups, and all ARAZPA TAGs.
Election of position holders
If the ARKSAG Convenor position becomes vacant, it will be advertised in the ARAZPA Newsletter. Expressions of interest in the position, and appointment to the position will follow established ARAZPA Board procedures.
Nominations or expressions of interest in other ARKSAG positions will only be accepted from staff of ARAZPA-member institutions, who are also members of this group. Staff of ARAZPA-member institutions, who are also members of this group are eligible to vote on these positions.
Sub-groups or committees may be established in ARKSAG as required.
SAG meetings
The group will meet on an annual basis, independently of the annual ARAZPA conference. Attendance is open to all members and invited guests, including representation from ISIS, and appropriate government agencies. Impromptu meetings of the group may be held at other times, including at the annual ARAZPA conference.
Meeting locations should be rotated within the region to allow all members to participate.
Organising a SAG meeting
The group will propose the following year’s host institution at each meeting, based on the proposed host’s ability to hold the meeting. Access to appropriate computer resources and information technology support are a pre-requisite for hosting an ARKSAG meeting. The timing of the meeting will be based on the mutual needs of the host and the group.
 Back to the Animal Records Keeping SAG page
|