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		STORAGE TRANSFER CRAYFISH FLEAS CURATION
		COLLECTION RENOVATION PROJECT FACILITY - N S F -
		PROJECT SUMMARY: Improving Resources for Specimen-based Research at Carnegie Museum The entomological collections at Carnegie Museum of Natural History (CMNH) are scientific resources of international significance, containing 7.4 million prepared specimens, and more than 8 million unprepared. A multiphase effort initiated in 1981 continued through several stages, culminating in this proposal. NSF AWARD DEB-9509570 (Oct 1995 to Sep 1999) provided storage and major improvements, meeting stated goals. Phase II of the long-term renovation plan was accomplished during the last five years with NSF AWARD DEB-9987522 (Oct 2000 to Mar 2003), and resolved, in part, some urgent problems with storage of historical collections. The rate that CMNH specimens are being used by researchers and students has risen dramatically in recent years with specimen loans and scientific visitors at the highest levels ever. Collection growth has addressed biodiversity issues and research needs, but lack of space and the condition of some historical collections prevent maximum efficient use of this resource.

		GOALS: The proposed project will accomplish the following goals over the next two years in response to urgent need: 1. STORAGE: Provide a storage solution for a classic space and national treasure, the Holland Room, by retrofitting 257 existing cabinets with steel shelving liners that accommodate both historical and new Holland drawers, compatible with USNM unit tray storage 2. TRANSFER: Transfer historical pinned specimens now in defective Holland drawers into new Holland drawers and unit trays and arrange collections in retrofitted space to optimize access, pest control, and visitor use. 3. CRAYFISH: Rehouse the Ortmann crustacean collection into new standardized glassware (1,842 lots), capture label data for output of new labels, then determine and arrange in systematic order. 4. FLEAS: Resolve storage issues with the Traub flea collection by capturing label data and labeling 6,446 slides, rehousing 6,046 fluid-preserved lots into new glassware, and after sorting of entire collection by consulting specialists, transfer and arrange all slides into modern storage for maximum accessibility. 5. CURATION: Provide sorting and preliminary curation of major insect groups in greatest need for improving accessibility to these important collections.