A workflow and protocol describing the field to digitization process for new project-based fossil leaf collections.

Premise of the Study: This article provides a workflow and protocol for paleobotanical researchers that integrates project-based fossil leaf specimen and data collection with curation and digitization. The methods aim to facilitate efficient digitization of new collections by researchers during the course of their study and promote public databasing of new specimen and project data.

Methods and Results: The workflow was developed and refined to facilitate a project reconstructing an extensive fossil forest from leaf impressions/compressions. The workflow consists of field, museum, and data mobilization components. Customizing a workspace and streamlining all steps of specimen data collection, curation, and digitization into an integrated processing pipeline resulted in faster accumulation of specimen data and images.

Conclusions: These protocols provide paleobotanists with logistics-focused methods for integrating research with digitization, and are particularly applicable at institutions with limited collection support staff or when specimen images are needed for project purposes.