I can’t quite remember how I came across this website (perhaps through tumblr) but held onto the link and I though it was an important thing to share. Osteoware is a ‘software program designed to assist in the documentation of human skeletal remains.  It provides for the real-time data entry of quantitative and qualitative observations into a structured query language (SQL) relational database.’…

Osteoware is a Free Tool for Researchers

Osteoware is an easy to learn software program designed to assist in the documentation of human skeletal remains.  It provides for the real-time data entry of quantitative and qualitative observations into a structured query language (SQL) relational database.  When the database is established on a networked server up to five individuals may enter data at the same time, though not on the same record.

Key Features

A free software program for documenting human skeletal remains.

Easy to learn and intuitive graphic user interface.

Incorporates the Buikstra & Ubelaker “Standards” with many expansions.

Real-time data entry of quantitative and qualitative observations.

Up to five individuals may enter data on a networked server.

Powerful structured query language (SQL) for meta-analyses.

Complete Osteoware User Manual PDF’s and online community support forum.

While Osteoware incorporates the Buikstra & Ubelaker (1994) “Standards for Data Collection from Human Skeletal Remains”, we recognize that other guidelines exist for recording osteological data.  In fact each researcher likely has a specialized set of variables specific to their own research needs; however, having a common set of core observations is key to establishing comparisons among skeletal collections documented by different people.  Osteoware provides an intuitive data entry system that prompts users to collect these core observations.

The Osteoware software, educational website, online support forum, and the User Manual are works in progress with future modules and features now in development.