The MicroCommons database is composed of hundreds of "items" related to microdebris analysis and micromorphology. These items range in type from scans of microartifacts and thin sections to spreadsheets, website links, and publications.

Items can be browsed individually or as part of collections. Six collections have been designed to increase organization and allow for targeted browsing. These are:

Images
Datasets
Publications
What Is This?
Resources
Announcements

Another way items have been organized for easier browsing is through exhibits (coming soon). Exhibits contain a specific subset of a collection and are used to further refine the organization of individual items. For example, the "Microartifacts" exhibit (coming soon) contains microartifact type collections based on material like bone, stone, ceramic or shell.

Finally, you may use the search box at the top of every page to search for items based on keywords/tags. An advanced search option is also available to further refine your search.

Every item on MicroCommons has a built-in comment system that allows users to submit observations, questions, and/or opinions concerning that particular item. This system is powered by Disqus and requires no separate user name or password. You are free to use your Twitter, OpenID, or Yahoo! account if you wish or simply give your email and name to link with your comment.

The forum is a collection of questions designed to facilitate discussion among MicroCommons users. This format is more streamlined than a traditional forum with convoluted threads and separate login requirements.

To use the forum simply submit your answers, thoughts, and opinions along with your name or login in the comments area at the bottom of each question page. Don't forget to subscribe to the RSS feed, which will email you automatically when new comments are added by other users. This helps you stay in the discussion!

If you would like to begin your own forum discussion, please contact the MicroCommons administrator with your request.