the FunMorf Library

The references of the Functional Morphology Lab are stored in the Procite4-file ‘Morfo’. This file originated from a dangerous liaison between the lab’s Mainbib-database and the “lizard library” (RVD). Historical constraints (mainly the particularities of the Mainbib-software and the older Procite versions) make it an imperfect child. However, in the best of all possible worlds, it is the best possible file. On the latest check, Morfo contained 11 068 references.

Consulting Morfo

The database manager guards the archetypical files that make up the Morfo reference database (morfo.pdt and morfo.pdx). Copies can be found on the two central desktops in the lab. These copies are kept as up-to-date as possible. You can download similar copies from the web (follow the links on the Morfo website) and access them on your personal computer. You will have to install Procite4, but that’s easy (ask the database manager for a copy of the programs).

To consult the Morfo database:

  • Activate Procite4
  • Open the Morfo – database (File > Open > morfo.pdt)
  • Browse or use the search facilities (Select > Search)
  • In the individual records, the Call number field (44) hints where a hard copy of the paper might be found.

type of indicator / example / owner / location
hierarchical index
(sometimes followed by a V) / 1.2.3-HUEY-85 / Raoul Van Damme / C1.19
hierarchical index
followed by a I / 1.7-BARB-78-I / Dirk Bauwens / Instituut voor Natuurbehoud
5 digit number followed by initials / 10567-AH / Lab
… (to be continued)

Adding new records

As a rule, the mother files of the funmorf reference database can only be edited after consulting the database manager.

Please store new references in a temporary file (e.g. Hansnew.pdt) and mail this file to the database manager, who will merge the file with the morfo-files. To prevent premature senility in the manager, do not mail files more than once per month.

Avoid entering the same reference more than once by checking the morfo-files before entering new references.

When entering the <Call number> field, use the conventions described above. If you want to store the hard copy in the central library in the lab, leave the <Call number> field open. The database manager will enter a number for you.

If you plan to store an electronic version (e.g. pdf-file) of the referenced paper, add an extra indicator to the <Call number> field. This indicator should have the format

e-XX

in which the e indicates the electronic nature, and XX are the initials of the owner of the file. E.g. e-PA means that Peter Aerts has an electronic version of the paper. It is the owner’s responsibility to store his e-papers in such a way that he can easily forward them when needed.

When entering key-words, try to restrict yourself to the keywords already in use. One way to obtain a list of key-words in use is by copying the morfo.pdt and morfo.pdx files to the appropriate subdirectory on your own pc (usually c:/Program Files/Procite4/Database). The keywords can then be entered by clicking the botton on the far right (see below). Alternatively, request a file from the database manager.

Below is a quick guide to entering new records.

  • According to the type of record you want to add to the database, select the appropriate workform

If the new record isthen select

a paper in a journalJournal Short Form

a chapter in a bookBook Chapter

a complete bookBook Short Form


  • For papers in journals, fill in the fields as shown in the example below.


  • For chapters in books, complete the fields as shown below:
  • And for books :


Adding new output styles

Procite4 allows users to write their own output styles. Output styles contain the instructions to massage references into the format required by particular journals.

New output styles can be created via File>New>Output Style. It is a tedious job and therefore it would be highly appreciated if you were willing to share your home-made Output Styles with the rest of the FunMorf community. You can do so by mailing your Output Style to the database manager.