> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://pecan.gitbook.io/betydbdoc-dataentry/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://pecan.gitbook.io/betydbdoc-dataentry/getting-started.md).

# Getting Started

## Overview

This is the user guide for *entering data* into the BETYdb database. The goal of this guide is to provide a consistent method of data entry that is transparent, reproducible, and well documented. The steps here generally accomplish one of two goals.

The first goal is to provide data that is associated with the experimental methods, species, site, and other factors associated with the original study. The second goal is to provide a record of all the transformations, assumptions, and data extraction steps used to migrate data from the primary literature to the standardized framework of the database.

## Getting Started

### Sign up for BETYdb

At a minimum, you should create an account on the instance of BETYdb that you will be using. For example, [BETYdb.org](https://www.betydb.org/signup). Other instances of BETYdb include:

| Institution             | url                                       | Maintainer    |
| ----------------------- | ----------------------------------------- | ------------- |
| University of Illinois  | <https://betydb.org>                      | David LeBauer |
| Boston University       | <https://psql-pecan.bu.edu/bety>          | Mike Dietze   |
| Brookhaven National Lab | <http://modex.test.bnl.gov/bety>          | Shawn Serbin  |
| University of Wisconsin | <http://tree.aos.wisc.edu:6480/bety>      | Ankur Desai   |
| TERRA Ref               | <https://terraref.ncsa.illinois.edu/bety> | David LeBauer |

### Other Accounts

There are multiple research groups running the database. To use the database; request "creator" access during signup to enter data; request "manager" to perform QA/QC.

* [Mendeley](https://www.mendeley.com/) to track and annotate citaitons.
* [Google Docs](https://drive.google.com) to prepare and transform data prior to entry.&#x20;
* [Github](https://github.com/pecanproject/bety/issues) to track data that need to be checked and/or corrected.


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://pecan.gitbook.io/betydbdoc-dataentry/getting-started.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.