Standards for Data Collection has indeed become a standard for use as a manual in physical anthropology, bioarcheology, and human osteology research laboratories and college courses across North America. Originally created in anticipation of the need to document skeletal collections prior to NAGPRA repatriation, the volume is now a popular favorite among practitioners and students. Now in its 10th printing with a new, more durable plastic coil spiral binding.
A fantastic guide for human remains. Unfortunately, it does not come cheap - or bound, really. The cheap plastic binding was surprising for how much this cost. I'd really expected a hardback. Well, get yourself a binder and keep it safe! You will use this constantly.
An indispensable reference for those studying human osteology, archeology, or forensics. This manual is still in print, so you can buy a brand new copy direct from the publisher (Arkansas Archeological Survey). https://archeology.uark.edu/learn-dis...
This has got to be one of the most referenced physical anthropology books out there. I love having my own copy, and I use it quite a bit. There's a lot of information on a bunch of different topics, so you can get the basics of taphonomy and paleopathology--but to go much deeper in those subjects, you really need to branch out and get more specialized books. (Like Ortner's book on paleopathology.)
This was the only standards book I used throughout my anthropology undergrad career and during post-graduation field work. It is well organized, informative and easy to use. While I do wish there was more information on pathology included in the text, this is the most extensive standards book you are likely to find.
Standards for Data Collection from Human Skeletal Remains: Proceedings of a Seminar at the Field Museum of Natural History (Arkansas Archeological Report Research Series) by Jane E. Buikstra (1994)