Introduction
For many tasks that you might want to perform on ChemSpider (searches etc), there is no need to have a ChemSpider User account. However, if you want to save Results sets, Curate records, add Data or use certain Web services, then you will need to register an account.
Registration is quick, simple and all you need is a valid email address.
How to register a ChemSpider Account
To get to the registration form, click on Register (at the top-right hand corner of the page), if you find yourself on the Log In page there is also a link called Create an account which will take you to the registration form.
The form requires you to specify a Username – you will need this to login; so make sure it is easy to remember.
You are also asked to provide your email address and specify a password. When entering your email address please bear in mind that the address you provide must be real as it is used to validate your registration. This email address is linked to your account and can only be changed by contacting the site administrators at chemspider-at-rsc.org. If you subscribe to the ChemSpider blog you will receive a notification as new blog posts are made. When you have filled in all the fields, click Continue to proceed.
A message will be displayed to indicate that your account has been created and that your validation email has been sent.
Following the link in your email completes the creation of the basic ChemSpider User account and opens a new browser window – where we ask for more details and you can request roles. Please fill in as much of the form as you can, as this will enable us to understand how we can develop ChemSpider to fit our users’ needs.
The form allows you to request roles, which give you the ability to perform different tasks on the site. To start with it is sufficient to be a User or a Curator to perform many tasks. If you wish to request further roles in the future; login to your account and click on My ChemSpider to return to this screen.
Overview of Roles
Curator – When you register you are automatically granted this role, which gives you the following privileges:
- embedding structures in web pages
- saving searches as SDF files
- adding spectra
- adding crystal structures
- adding new identifiers/synonyms
- adding links to data sources, websites and publications
- adding digital object identifiers (DOIs) and PubMed links
- approving and rejecting identifiers
Beta tester – This allows you to test new features before they are launched on the main site.
Depositor – A depositor can submit new structures (i.e. create new records). See Depositors Section for more details.
Service subscriber – This is a special role mainly used by companies/cheminformatics specialists to allow them to use ChemSpider web services in their own websites or software.
The request comments text box allows you to leave a message for the ChemSpider administrators. It is highly recommended that you subscribe to the ChemSpider newsletter as this is the best way to keep in touch with the latest developments in the site such as new features, new data sets and tips and tricks for getting the most out of the ChemSpider. Once you have filled in your details and selected your roles, click on Update to save your settings. You will now see that the list of roles has changed to indicate which roles you have requested.
Once your request has been reviewed, you will be notified by email and your profile will be updated to show which roles you have been approved.
Now that your profile is set up and roles approved you are ready to start curating. Have fun!
Depositors
Introduction
As a depositor you can deposit structures and create a new record in the database. Any data deposited into ChemSpider must be deposited into a “Data Source” – this is a way of grouping data according to who provided the information. Any person or institution can be set up as a Data Source, but once created for a user account it will always be associated with this Data Source and the user account cannot then be associated with another Data Source. If you work within a team or large organisation it is possible to set up a Data Source for the group and for each member of the group to deposit data into that Data Source from their individual accounts (they must request that they are set up as secondary users of the Data Source).
For example, Prof. Smith might set up his account and create a Data Source called “The Smith group, University of Chemtown”. His research group could then request that their accounts be set up as secondary users of “The Smith group, University of Chemtown” Data Source, so that all of their depositions are also added to this Datasource.
To see what information you can include in a Datasource description browse http://www.chemspider.com/DataSources.aspx and click on the Datasource names to see what information can be made available. Every record that you deposit will have a link to your Datasource page – allowing you to improve your visibility in the chemistry community.
Setting up your Datasource
Only ChemSpider administrators can create a Data Source. If you know exactly how your Data Source should be set up then you can include the details in your request for depositor rights. However, if you would like advice on how best to configure your Data Source (recommended) then email chemspider-at-rsc.org and a member of the team will be able to discuss your needs and set up the Data Source to meet your requirements.
Conclusion
You should now have successfully registered your ChemSpider user account and have requested roles that allow you to use and curate ChemSpider. Congratulations.