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Thank you everyone, for your input regarding staff support for entomological collections at universities. I pieced together feedback in a spreadsheet, here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KJtnUPiB- wNpvCT88qKaK-zZUFmvFwi4/view?usp=sharing A couple things stood out. About half of these positions get 50% of their support from extension funds, and the other half get 100% from university/college/department funds. Overall, most of the entomological collections have a permanent hard money position for collections work (mostly as collection managers). Another thing that stood out was the relative lack of support for new faculty members supervising a collection, and several comments basically that they expect funding to cease once they retire :( Anyways, there is a good diversity of creative strategies that folks have been using for funding entomological collections. Paul On Sat, Feb 10, 2018 at 1:00 AM, ECN-L automatic digest system < [log in to unmask]> wrote: > There are 6 messages totaling 7049 lines in this issue. > > Topics of the day: > > 1. Question regarding staff support for entomological collections at U.S. > universities (4) > 2. vermiculite (2) > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Date: Fri, 9 Feb 2018 13:32:45 +0000 > From: Gregory Zolnerowich <[log in to unmask]> > Subject: Re: Question regarding staff support for entomological > collections at U.S. universities > > If Paul has 0% appointment to work in and develop the collection as the > curator, what’s the incentive to do so regarding annual evaluation? > > Cheers, > > Greg Z. > > > ____________________ > Gregory Zolnerowich > Dept. of Entomology > 123 Waters Hall > 1603 Old Claflin Place > Kansas State University > Manhattan, KS 66506 > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Fri, 9 Feb 2018 13:54:15 +0000 > From: "Skelley, Paul" <[log in to unmask]> > Subject: Re: Question regarding staff support for entomological > collections at U.S. universities > > I've been reading the various comments, and Chris's note stuck a cord. > "Diagnostics and collection development should go hand in hand..." Most of > our collections have their roots in extension and diagnostics (or teaching > diagnostics). It appears that most of our positions also have split > responsibilities : diagnostics/extension, research/teaching, museum care. > Our administrations have forgotten their roots and the reasons our > forefathers developed collections. Convincing administrations of the value > of morphological vouchers as the base for needed identifications, even to > allow accurate molecular work for diagnostics, could help. But, if you > don't have a diagnostic component to your job, this will all prove > problematic. > > "Good taxonomists and diagnosticians possess a skillset that most > colleagues and stakeholders regard as bordering on witchcraft. It's time > they got paid for it." Witchcraft and other lost arts are subjects for > another essay. Yet, I totally agree with Chris, many of us may be the last > of the druids. > > Paul > > ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ > Paul E. Skelley, Ph.D., C.P.M. > Entomology Section Administrator > Florida State Collection of Arthropods > Division of Plant Industry/Entomology > Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services > > Assistant Head Editor: Insecta Mundi > > Desk (352) 395-4678 > Fax (352) 395-4614 > Receptionist (352) 395-4700 > [log in to unmask] > > The Doyle Conner Building > 1911 SW 34th St > Gainesville, Florida 32608 USA > or > P.O.Box 147100 > Gainesville, Florida 32614-7100, USA > > www.FreshFromFlorida.com<http://www.freshfromflorida.com/> > > Please note that Florida has a broad public records law (Chapter 119, > Florida Statutes). > Most written communications to or from state employees are public records > obtainable > by the public upon request. Emails sent to me at this email address may be > considered > public and will only be withheld from disclosure if deemed confidential > pursuant to the > laws of the State of Florida. > > > > From: Entomological Collections Network Listserve [mailto: > [log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Christopher Carlton > Sent: Thursday, February 08, 2018 10:00 PM > To: [log in to unmask] > Subject: Re: Question regarding staff support for entomological > collections at U.S. universities > > > I responded to Paul off list about this, but just to point out a couple of > things. First, as representatives of several collections have noted, > current management/curator support may be in place, but concerns exist > about what happens when the current person retires. This is typical of long > term uncertainty about continuity of these sorts of positions, and nothing > new. Second, at least at land grant institutions, the role of collections > and experienced curators in diagnostic roles is directly relevant to the > extension service mission at those institutions. > > > > The extension contribution of collection manager/curator position is > vastly under appreciated. Thus, extension support for those positions at > many land grant universities is an underutilized revenue stream for support > of those positions. Diagnostics and collection development should go hand > in hand. If the extension budget is not at least partially allocated to > supporting a well curated collection representing the regional fauna, then > something is wrong with the mindset at that institution. > > > > Good taxonomists and diagnosticians possess a skillset that most > colleagues and stakeholders regard as bordering on witchcraft. It's time > they got paid for it. > > > > Chris > > > Chris Carlton, Ph. D. > Director, Carlton Astronomy Campus > Professor of Entomology, Emeritus > Department of Entomology, Louisiana State University > Baton Rouge, LA USA 70803 > > <a href=http://www.cleardarksky.com/c/CrAstCmpMSkey.html> > > > > > > > > ________________________________ > From: Entomological Collections Network Listserve <[log in to unmask]< > mailto:[log in to unmask]>> on behalf of Bayless, Victoria M. < > [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>> > Sent: Thursday, February 8, 2018 4:23:10 PM > To: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> > Subject: Re: Question regarding staff support for entomological > collections at U.S. universities > > > Hello all, > > I am the Curator/Collections manager at The Louisiana State Arthropod > Museum. This position is full-time staff, hard money, ½ research and ½ > extension. Our Department of Entomology faculty systematist also serves as > the Director of the Museum. Over the years we have had soft money research > associate assistants, but none at the current time. > > Victoria > > > > Victoria Moseley Bayless > > Curator, Louisiana State Arthropod Museum > > Insect Diagnostician, LSU AgCenter > > Past-President, Coleopterists Society > > Louisiana State University > > Dept. of Entomology, LSB-404 > > Baton Rouge, LA 70803-1710 > > Phone: 225-578-1838 > > www.lsuinsects.org<http://www.lsuinsects.org/> > > www.lsuagcenter.com<http://www.lsuagcenter.com/> > > www.coleopsoc.org<http://www.coleopsoc.org/> > > > > > > > > > > Sent: Thursday, February 08, 2018 10:48 AM > To: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> > Subject: Re: Question regarding staff support for entomological > collections at U.S. universities > > > > On Feb 7, 2018, at 3:16 PM, Paul Marek <[log in to unmask]<mailto:br > [log in to unmask]>> wrote: > > > > Hi everyone, > > This question is mostly directed toward directors/curators of > entomological collections at U.S. universities. > > If your collection has a permanent position assigned to it (e.g. > collections manager, curatorial assistant, technician, undergraduate, > GRA-i.e. other than than the director/curator), how do you pay for this > position? Is it through extension, soft money, department/college, > university? > > The Virginia Tech Insect Collection (VTEC, collection.ento.vt.edu<https:/ > /urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__collection. > ento.vt.edu&d=DwMFaQ&c=ODFT-G5SujMiGrKuoJJjVg&r=IeoqTEcS907Y5Hg4Si5_ > yUAwsqfsUzH1JYYqT8NeT88&m=3vqyIdiuflFDBKnKf1UFw21udmwYx4hWwJD46xGIzGQ&s= > bqDtj4duhl68JNrJHwzQOAxb9pkMzUGdjc75DxzeY0o&e=>) received a NSF CSBR in > 2015 that reinvigorated the collection after ~20 years, spurring > digitization, staff/student hires, infrastructure improvements, and > consequently an increase in loans, data inquiries, research, and usage of > the material. The CSBR award is ending this year, and I want to keep the > momentum of the natural history collection going. I am therefore in the > process of finding support for the VTEC. We have received some private > donations, which are great, but they're sporadic and have only started to > replenish a small gift account. The collection, after the NSF award ends, > would then be only supported by a department-supported phone line and a > faculty position (me as curator, but with a 0% appointment to work in the > collection). > > I recently requested a permanent position for the VTEC from our college > dean and department head. They were generally receptive about the idea, but > wanted to hear how other universities pay for these positions. > > Thank you for any information or advice you have. > > Paul Marek > > > > -- > Paul E. Marek > Assistant Professor > Department of Entomology, Virginia Tech > Price Hall, Rm 216A (MC0319) > 170 Drillfield Drive > Blacksburg, Virginia 24061 > (540) 231-5653 > [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> > Lab website: www.jointedlegs.org<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/ > url?u=http-3A__www.jointedlegs.org&d=DwMFaQ&c=ODFT-G5SujMiGrKuoJJjVg&r= > IeoqTEcS907Y5Hg4Si5_yUAwsqfsUzH1JYYqT8NeT88&m= > 3vqyIdiuflFDBKnKf1UFw21udmwYx4hWwJD46xGIzGQ&s=_ > azLcP7DO6bJY32wsUzYYoFqi79pegd9RQ9D37mi_Fs&e=> > VT Insect Collection: collection.ento.vt.edu<https:/ > /urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__collection. > ento.vt.edu&d=DwMFaQ&c=ODFT-G5SujMiGrKuoJJjVg&r=IeoqTEcS907Y5Hg4Si5_ > yUAwsqfsUzH1JYYqT8NeT88&m=3vqyIdiuflFDBKnKf1UFw21udmwYx4hWwJD46xGIzGQ&s= > bqDtj4duhl68JNrJHwzQOAxb9pkMzUGdjc75DxzeY0o&e=> > > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Fri, 9 Feb 2018 14:42:46 +0000 > From: "Hall, Wesley E - (wehall)" <[log in to unmask]> > Subject: Re: Question regarding staff support for entomological > collections at U.S. universities > > Chris hit the nail on the head describing my position at the University of > Arizona Insect Collection. Half of my position is museum collection > management, while the other half is "Insect Diagnostics" as part of the UA > College of Agriculture's Cooperative Extension mission. We are the Land > Grant university for the state of Arizona, and Insect Diagnostics fills > part of that mission. I handle all insect ID'S submitted to the UA from > the public, agriculture, industry, statewide Extension agents, Master > Gardeners, state and federal agencies, forensics, veterinary, etc.,. > Cooperative Extension has committed to supporting my position .50% to meet > our Extension goals, but timely and accurate diagnostics would not be > possible without the administrative support of a well-curated and thriving > museum collection. > > Cheers, > Gene > > Gene Hall > University of Arizona Insect Collection (Manager) > & CALS Cooperative Extension (Insect Diagnostics) > Department of Entomology > 1140 E. South Campus Dr. > University of Arizona > Tucson, AZ 85721 > Ph: 520.621.6446 > Email: [log in to unmask] > UA INSECT COLLECTION: http://www.uainsectcollection.com/ > PTILIIDAE: http://tolweb.org/Ptiliidae > ZOOTAXA Subject Editor: STAPHYLINOIDEA: http://www.mapress.com/j/zt/ > pages/view/Coleoptera > ________________________________ > From: Entomological Collections Network Listserve <[log in to unmask]> > on behalf of Skelley, Paul <[log in to unmask]> > Sent: Friday, February 9, 2018 6:54:15 AM > To: [log in to unmask] > Subject: Re: Question regarding staff support for entomological > collections at U.S. universities > > > I’ve been reading the various comments, and Chris’s note stuck a cord. > “Diagnostics and collection development should go hand in hand…” Most of > our collections have their roots in extension and diagnostics (or teaching > diagnostics). It appears that most of our positions also have split > responsibilities : diagnostics/extension, research/teaching, museum care. > Our administrations have forgotten their roots and the reasons our > forefathers developed collections. Convincing administrations of the value > of morphological vouchers as the base for needed identifications, even to > allow accurate molecular work for diagnostics, could help. But, if you > don’t have a diagnostic component to your job, this will all prove > problematic. > > > > “Good taxonomists and diagnosticians possess a skillset that most > colleagues and stakeholders regard as bordering on witchcraft. It's time > they got paid for it.” Witchcraft and other lost arts are subjects for > another essay. Yet, I totally agree with Chris, many of us may be the last > of the druids. > > > > Paul > > > > ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ > > Paul E. Skelley, Ph.D., C.P.M. > > Entomology Section Administrator > > Florida State Collection of Arthropods > > Division of Plant Industry/Entomology > > Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services > > > > Assistant Head Editor: Insecta Mundi > > > > Desk (352) 395-4678 > > Fax (352) 395-4614 > > Receptionist (352) 395-4700 > > [log in to unmask] > > > > The Doyle Conner Building > > 1911 SW 34th St > > Gainesville, Florida 32608 USA > > or > > P.O.Box 147100 > > Gainesville, Florida 32614-7100, USA > > > > www.FreshFromFlorida.com<http://www.freshfromflorida.com/> > > > > Please note that Florida has a broad public records law (Chapter 119, > Florida Statutes). > > Most written communications to or from state employees are public records > obtainable > > by the public upon request. Emails sent to me at this email address may be > considered > > public and will only be withheld from disclosure if deemed confidential > pursuant to the > > laws of the State of Florida. > > > > > > > > From: Entomological Collections Network Listserve [mailto: > [log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Christopher Carlton > Sent: Thursday, February 08, 2018 10:00 PM > To: [log in to unmask] > Subject: Re: Question regarding staff support for entomological > collections at U.S. universities > > > > I responded to Paul off list about this, but just to point out a couple of > things. First, as representatives of several collections have noted, > current management/curator support may be in place, but concerns exist > about what happens when the current person retires. This is typical of long > term uncertainty about continuity of these sorts of positions, and nothing > new. Second, at least at land grant institutions, the role of collections > and experienced curators in diagnostic roles is directly relevant to the > extension service mission at those institutions. > > > > The extension contribution of collection manager/curator position is > vastly under appreciated. Thus, extension support for those positions at > many land grant universities is an underutilized revenue stream for support > of those positions. Diagnostics and collection development should go hand > in hand. If the extension budget is not at least partially allocated to > supporting a well curated collection representing the regional fauna, then > something is wrong with the mindset at that institution. > > > > Good taxonomists and diagnosticians possess a skillset that most > colleagues and stakeholders regard as bordering on witchcraft. It's time > they got paid for it. > > > > Chris > > > > Chris Carlton, Ph. D. > > Director, Carlton Astronomy Campus > > Professor of Entomology, Emeritus > > Department of Entomology, Louisiana State University > > Baton Rouge, LA USA 70803 > > <a href=http://www.cleardarksky.com/c/CrAstCmpMSkey.html> > > > > > > > > > > ________________________________ > > From: Entomological Collections Network Listserve <[log in to unmask]< > mailto:[log in to unmask]>> on behalf of Bayless, Victoria M. < > [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>> > Sent: Thursday, February 8, 2018 4:23:10 PM > To: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> > Subject: Re: Question regarding staff support for entomological > collections at U.S. universities > > > > Hello all, > > I am the Curator/Collections manager at The Louisiana State Arthropod > Museum. This position is full-time staff, hard money, ½ research and ½ > extension. Our Department of Entomology faculty systematist also serves as > the Director of the Museum. Over the years we have had soft money research > associate assistants, but none at the current time. > > Victoria > > > > Victoria Moseley Bayless > > Curator, Louisiana State Arthropod Museum > > Insect Diagnostician, LSU AgCenter > > Past-President, Coleopterists Society > > Louisiana State University > > Dept. of Entomology, LSB-404 > > Baton Rouge, LA 70803-1710 > > Phone: 225-578-1838 > > www.lsuinsects.org<http://www.lsuinsects.org/> > > www.lsuagcenter.com<http://www.lsuagcenter.com/> > > www.coleopsoc.org<http://www.coleopsoc.org/> > > > > > > > > > > Sent: Thursday, February 08, 2018 10:48 AM > To: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> > Subject: Re: Question regarding staff support for entomological > collections at U.S. universities > > > > On Feb 7, 2018, at 3:16 PM, Paul Marek <[log in to unmask]<mailto:br > [log in to unmask]>> wrote: > > > > Hi everyone, > > This question is mostly directed toward directors/curators of > entomological collections at U.S. universities. > > If your collection has a permanent position assigned to it (e.g. > collections manager, curatorial assistant, technician, undergraduate, > GRA—i.e. other than than the director/curator), how do you pay for this > position? Is it through extension, soft money, department/college, > university? > > The Virginia Tech Insect Collection (VTEC, collection.ento.vt.edu<https:/ > /urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__collection. > ento.vt.edu&d=DwMFaQ&c=ODFT-G5SujMiGrKuoJJjVg&r=IeoqTEcS907Y5Hg4Si5_ > yUAwsqfsUzH1JYYqT8NeT88&m=3vqyIdiuflFDBKnKf1UFw21udmwYx4hWwJD46xGIzGQ&s= > bqDtj4duhl68JNrJHwzQOAxb9pkMzUGdjc75DxzeY0o&e=>) received a NSF CSBR in > 2015 that reinvigorated the collection after ~20 years, spurring > digitization, staff/student hires, infrastructure improvements, and > consequently an increase in loans, data inquiries, research, and usage of > the material. The CSBR award is ending this year, and I want to keep the > momentum of the natural history collection going. I am therefore in the > process of finding support for the VTEC. We have received some private > donations, which are great, but they're sporadic and have only started to > replenish a small gift account. The collection, after the NSF award ends, > would then be only supported by a department-supported phone line and a > faculty position (me as curator, but with a 0% appointment to work in the > collection). > > I recently requested a permanent position for the VTEC from our college > dean and department head. They were generally receptive about the idea, but > wanted to hear how other universities pay for these positions. > > Thank you for any information or advice you have. > > Paul Marek > > > > -- > Paul E. Marek > Assistant Professor > Department of Entomology, Virginia Tech > Price Hall, Rm 216A (MC0319) > 170 Drillfield Drive > Blacksburg, Virginia 24061 > (540) 231-5653 > [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> > Lab website: www.jointedlegs.org<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/ > url?u=http-3A__www.jointedlegs.org&d=DwMFaQ&c=ODFT-G5SujMiGrKuoJJjVg&r= > IeoqTEcS907Y5Hg4Si5_yUAwsqfsUzH1JYYqT8NeT88&m= > 3vqyIdiuflFDBKnKf1UFw21udmwYx4hWwJD46xGIzGQ&s=_ > azLcP7DO6bJY32wsUzYYoFqi79pegd9RQ9D37mi_Fs&e=> > VT Insect Collection: collection.ento.vt.edu<https:/ > /urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__collection. > ento.vt.edu&d=DwMFaQ&c=ODFT-G5SujMiGrKuoJJjVg&r=IeoqTEcS907Y5Hg4Si5_ > yUAwsqfsUzH1JYYqT8NeT88&m=3vqyIdiuflFDBKnKf1UFw21udmwYx4hWwJD46xGIzGQ&s= > bqDtj4duhl68JNrJHwzQOAxb9pkMzUGdjc75DxzeY0o&e=> > > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Fri, 9 Feb 2018 15:00:11 +0000 > From: Robert Anderson <[log in to unmask]> > Subject: Re: Question regarding staff support for entomological > collections at U.S. universities > > I found the attached paper to be a good recent reference for justification > for museums and taxonomic 'services'. I especially refer to points 3, v > and 4. While these issues may be obvious to us in the taxonomic community > I think it's important we continually pass along publications that > highlight the importance of these services to administrators, many of whom > may not be aware of these important issues. > > Robert Anderson > Director - Beaty Centre for Species Discovery > Research and Collections Division > Canadian Museum of Nature > PO Box 3443, Station D > Ottawa, ON. K1P 6P4 CANADA > > 613-364-4060 (tel) > 613-364-4027 (fax) > [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> > www.nature.ca<http://www.nature.ca/> > https://sites.google.com/site/longinollama/ > > > From: Entomological Collections Network Listserve [mailto: > [log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Hall, Wesley E - (wehall) > Sent: February-09-18 9:43 AM > To: [log in to unmask] > Subject: Re: Question regarding staff support for entomological > collections at U.S. universities > > Chris hit the nail on the head describing my position at the University of > Arizona Insect Collection. Half of my position is museum collection > management, while the other half is "Insect Diagnostics" as part of the UA > College of Agriculture's Cooperative Extension mission. We are the Land > Grant university for the state of Arizona, and Insect Diagnostics fills > part of that mission. I handle all insect ID'S submitted to the UA from > the public, agriculture, industry, statewide Extension agents, Master > Gardeners, state and federal agencies, forensics, veterinary, etc.,. > Cooperative Extension has committed to supporting my position .50% to meet > our Extension goals, but timely and accurate diagnostics would not be > possible without the administrative support of a well-curated and thriving > museum collection. > > Cheers, > Gene > > Gene Hall > University of Arizona Insect Collection (Manager) > & CALS Cooperative Extension (Insect Diagnostics) > Department of Entomology > 1140 E. South Campus Dr. > University of Arizona > Tucson, AZ 85721 > Ph: 520.621.6446 > Email: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> > UA INSECT COLLECTION: http://www.uainsectcollection.com/ > PTILIIDAE: http://tolweb.org/Ptiliidae > ZOOTAXA Subject Editor: STAPHYLINOIDEA: http://www.mapress.com/j/zt/ > pages/view/Coleoptera > ________________________________ > From: Entomological Collections Network Listserve <[log in to unmask]< > mailto:[log in to unmask]>> on behalf of Skelley, Paul <Paul.Skelley@ > FRESHFROMFLORIDA.COM<mailto:[log in to unmask]>> > Sent: Friday, February 9, 2018 6:54:15 AM > To: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> > Subject: Re: Question regarding staff support for entomological > collections at U.S. universities > > > I've been reading the various comments, and Chris's note stuck a cord. > "Diagnostics and collection development should go hand in hand..." Most of > our collections have their roots in extension and diagnostics (or teaching > diagnostics). It appears that most of our positions also have split > responsibilities : diagnostics/extension, research/teaching, museum care. > Our administrations have forgotten their roots and the reasons our > forefathers developed collections. Convincing administrations of the value > of morphological vouchers as the base for needed identifications, even to > allow accurate molecular work for diagnostics, could help. But, if you > don't have a diagnostic component to your job, this will all prove > problematic. > > > > "Good taxonomists and diagnosticians possess a skillset that most > colleagues and stakeholders regard as bordering on witchcraft. It's time > they got paid for it." Witchcraft and other lost arts are subjects for > another essay. Yet, I totally agree with Chris, many of us may be the last > of the druids. > > > > Paul > > > > ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ > > Paul E. Skelley, Ph.D., C.P.M. > > Entomology Section Administrator > > Florida State Collection of Arthropods > > Division of Plant Industry/Entomology > > Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services > > > > Assistant Head Editor: Insecta Mundi > > > > Desk (352) 395-4678 > > Fax (352) 395-4614 > > Receptionist (352) 395-4700 > > [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask] > > > > > > The Doyle Conner Building > > 1911 SW 34th St > > Gainesville, Florida 32608 USA > > or > > P.O.Box 147100 > > Gainesville, Florida 32614-7100, USA > > > > www.FreshFromFlorida.com<http://www.freshfromflorida.com/> > > > > Please note that Florida has a broad public records law (Chapter 119, > Florida Statutes). > > Most written communications to or from state employees are public records > obtainable > > by the public upon request. Emails sent to me at this email address may be > considered > > public and will only be withheld from disclosure if deemed confidential > pursuant to the > > laws of the State of Florida. > > > > > > > > From: Entomological Collections Network Listserve [mailto: > [log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Christopher Carlton > Sent: Thursday, February 08, 2018 10:00 PM > To: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> > Subject: Re: Question regarding staff support for entomological > collections at U.S. universities > > > > I responded to Paul off list about this, but just to point out a couple of > things. First, as representatives of several collections have noted, > current management/curator support may be in place, but concerns exist > about what happens when the current person retires. This is typical of long > term uncertainty about continuity of these sorts of positions, and nothing > new. Second, at least at land grant institutions, the role of collections > and experienced curators in diagnostic roles is directly relevant to the > extension service mission at those institutions. > > > > The extension contribution of collection manager/curator position is > vastly under appreciated. Thus, extension support for those positions at > many land grant universities is an underutilized revenue stream for support > of those positions. Diagnostics and collection development should go hand > in hand. If the extension budget is not at least partially allocated to > supporting a well curated collection representing the regional fauna, then > something is wrong with the mindset at that institution. > > > > Good taxonomists and diagnosticians possess a skillset that most > colleagues and stakeholders regard as bordering on witchcraft. It's time > they got paid for it. > > > > Chris > > > > Chris Carlton, Ph. D. > > Director, Carlton Astronomy Campus > > Professor of Entomology, Emeritus > > Department of Entomology, Louisiana State University > > Baton Rouge, LA USA 70803 > > <a href=http://www.cleardarksky.com/c/CrAstCmpMSkey.html> > > > > > > > > > > ________________________________ > > From: Entomological Collections Network Listserve <[log in to unmask]< > mailto:[log in to unmask]>> on behalf of Bayless, Victoria M. < > [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>> > Sent: Thursday, February 8, 2018 4:23:10 PM > To: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> > Subject: Re: Question regarding staff support for entomological > collections at U.S. universities > > > > Hello all, > > I am the Curator/Collections manager at The Louisiana State Arthropod > Museum. This position is full-time staff, hard money, ½ research and ½ > extension. Our Department of Entomology faculty systematist also serves as > the Director of the Museum. Over the years we have had soft money research > associate assistants, but none at the current time. > > Victoria > > > > Victoria Moseley Bayless > > Curator, Louisiana State Arthropod Museum > > Insect Diagnostician, LSU AgCenter > > Past-President, Coleopterists Society > > Louisiana State University > > Dept. of Entomology, LSB-404 > > Baton Rouge, LA 70803-1710 > > Phone: 225-578-1838 > > www.lsuinsects.org<http://www.lsuinsects.org/> > > www.lsuagcenter.com<http://www.lsuagcenter.com/> > > www.coleopsoc.org<http://www.coleopsoc.org/> > > > > > > > > > > Sent: Thursday, February 08, 2018 10:48 AM > To: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> > Subject: Re: Question regarding staff support for entomological > collections at U.S. universities > > > > On Feb 7, 2018, at 3:16 PM, Paul Marek <[log in to unmask]<mailto:br > [log in to unmask]>> wrote: > > > > Hi everyone, > > This question is mostly directed toward directors/curators of > entomological collections at U.S. universities. > > If your collection has a permanent position assigned to it (e.g. > collections manager, curatorial assistant, technician, undergraduate, > GRA-i.e. other than than the director/curator), how do you pay for this > position? Is it through extension, soft money, department/college, > university? > > The Virginia Tech Insect Collection (VTEC, collection.ento.vt.edu<https:/ > /urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__collection. > ento.vt.edu&d=DwMFaQ&c=ODFT-G5SujMiGrKuoJJjVg&r=IeoqTEcS907Y5Hg4Si5_ > yUAwsqfsUzH1JYYqT8NeT88&m=3vqyIdiuflFDBKnKf1UFw21udmwYx4hWwJD46xGIzGQ&s= > bqDtj4duhl68JNrJHwzQOAxb9pkMzUGdjc75DxzeY0o&e=>) received a NSF CSBR in > 2015 that reinvigorated the collection after ~20 years, spurring > digitization, staff/student hires, infrastructure improvements, and > consequently an increase in loans, data inquiries, research, and usage of > the material. The CSBR award is ending this year, and I want to keep the > momentum of the natural history collection going. I am therefore in the > process of finding support for the VTEC. We have received some private > donations, which are great, but they're sporadic and have only started to > replenish a small gift account. The collection, after the NSF award ends, > would then be only supported by a department-supported phone line and a > faculty position (me as curator, but with a 0% appointment to work in the > collection). > > I recently requested a permanent position for the VTEC from our college > dean and department head. They were generally receptive about the idea, but > wanted to hear how other universities pay for these positions. > > Thank you for any information or advice you have. > > Paul Marek > > > > -- > Paul E. Marek > Assistant Professor > Department of Entomology, Virginia Tech > Price Hall, Rm 216A (MC0319) > 170 Drillfield Drive > Blacksburg, Virginia 24061 > (540) 231-5653 > [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> > Lab website: www.jointedlegs.org<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/ > url?u=http-3A__www.jointedlegs.org&d=DwMFaQ&c=ODFT-G5SujMiGrKuoJJjVg&r= > IeoqTEcS907Y5Hg4Si5_yUAwsqfsUzH1JYYqT8NeT88&m= > 3vqyIdiuflFDBKnKf1UFw21udmwYx4hWwJD46xGIzGQ&s=_ > azLcP7DO6bJY32wsUzYYoFqi79pegd9RQ9D37mi_Fs&e=> > VT Insect Collection: collection.ento.vt.edu<https:/ > /urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__collection. > ento.vt.edu&d=DwMFaQ&c=ODFT-G5SujMiGrKuoJJjVg&r=IeoqTEcS907Y5Hg4Si5_ > yUAwsqfsUzH1JYYqT8NeT88&m=3vqyIdiuflFDBKnKf1UFw21udmwYx4hWwJD46xGIzGQ&s= > bqDtj4duhl68JNrJHwzQOAxb9pkMzUGdjc75DxzeY0o&e=> > > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Fri, 9 Feb 2018 13:46:28 -0600 > From: Andy Deans <[log in to unmask]> > Subject: vermiculite > > A relevant message on nhcoll listserv (below). I don't get too many > packages, at least lately, with vermiculite, but it's good think about > these issues. I suspect not many of us use it ...? > > ===== FWD from Nhcoll-l ===== > > Hi Folks, > > I have health and safety concerns regarding the use of vermiculite as an > “outer packet” absorbency material in the shipping of alcohol preserved > specimens. We have never used vermiculite in the Florida Museum Fish > Collection, but I receive many specimen shipments containing it and thus > must handle it. And as anyone who has touched the stuff can attest, no > matter how carefully handled, tiny particles of vermiculite end up > suspended in the air one is breathing. > > A number of scientific papers lead me to conclude my health and safety > concerns are not unreasonable. Here’s some of what I’ve found: > > * No matter where it was mined from, vermiculite is likely to contain > fibrous minerals. > > * That few of these types of fibrous minerals have been formally > classified as asbestos and regulated as such would appear to be more a > function of what fibers were in use commercially at the time the > regulations were created. (Baumann, F., J. P. Ambrosi, and M. Carbone. > 2013. Asbestos is not just asbestos: an unrecognized health hazard. The > Lancet Vol 14 June 2013). > > * To be certain, vermiculite has at times been found to contain > asbestiform amphiboles (groups of needlelike silicates clumped together) > such as winchite, richterite, and tremolite, the latter of which is > regulated (Sullivan, P. 2007. Vermiculite, respiratory disease, and > asbestos exposure in Libby, Montana: Update of a cohort mortality study. > Environmental Health Perspectives Apr; 115 (4): 579-585). > > > My question to the list: Why is anyone using vermiculite as an absorbent > when inert and safe alternatives such as polypropylene chemical spill > absorbent pads are widely and cheaply available? Failing any good answer to > this question, my follow up would be, can we all please stop? > > Best wishes, > > Rob Robins > > > P.S. The Baumann paper concludes thusly, and I agree: > > “The restricted regulatory definition of asbestos to six fibres used > commercially contributes to miscommunication and uncertainty regarding the > toxic effects of some fibrous minerals. We propose that all fibrous > minerals be handled as potentially pathogenic until they are proven safe. > Moreover, to protect human health, a wider regulatory definition of > asbestos should include all potentially carcinogenic mineral fibres, > without distinction of type and commercial use.” > > Robert H. Robins > Collection Manager > Division of Ichthyology > FLMNH Fishes logo email small > Florida Museum of Natural History > 1659 Museum Road > Gainesville, FL 32611-7800 > Office: (352) 273-1957 > Fax: (352) 846-0287 > [log in to unmask] > www.flmnh.ufl.edu > > > Search the Collection: > http://specifyportal.flmnh.ufl.edu/fishes/ > > ===================== > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Fri, 9 Feb 2018 21:19:20 +0000 > From: "Opitz, Cindy E" <[log in to unmask]> > Subject: Re: vermiculite > > Forwarding Andy's response from Nhcoll-l, with suggestion for safer > alternative: > > 3M chemical absorption sheets are the way to go - > https://www.amazon.com/3M-Chemical-P-110-Absorption-Capacity/dp/B00AKLFZ2C. > We cut them into appropriately sized squares to insert into all ethanol > containing packages that emanate from the KUBI. > > Andy > A : A : A : > }<(((_°>.,.,.,.}<(((_°>.,.,.,.}<)))_°> > V V V > Andy Bentley > Ichthyology Collection Manager > University of Kansas > Biodiversity Institute > Dyche Hall > 1345 Jayhawk Boulevard > Lawrence, KS, 66045-7561 > USA > > Tel: (785) 864-3863 > Fax: (785) 864-5335 > Email: [log in to unmask] > http://ichthyology.biodiversity.ku.edu > A : A : A : > }<(((_°>.,.,.,.}<(((_°>.,.,.,.}<)))_°> > V V V > > -----Original Message----- > From: Entomological Collections Network Listserve [mailto: > [log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Andy Deans > Sent: Friday, February 09, 2018 1:46 PM > To: [log in to unmask] > Subject: vermiculite > > A relevant message on nhcoll listserv (below). I don't get too many > packages, at least lately, with vermiculite, but it's good think about > these issues. I suspect not many of us use it ...? > > ===== FWD from Nhcoll-l ===== > > Hi Folks, > > I have health and safety concerns regarding the use of vermiculite as an > “outer packet” absorbency material in the shipping of alcohol preserved > specimens. We have never used vermiculite in the Florida Museum Fish > Collection, but I receive many specimen shipments containing it and thus > must handle it. And as anyone who has touched the stuff can attest, no > matter how carefully handled, tiny particles of vermiculite end up > suspended in the air one is breathing. > > A number of scientific papers lead me to conclude my health and safety > concerns are not unreasonable. Here’s some of what I’ve found: > > * No matter where it was mined from, vermiculite is likely to contain > fibrous minerals. > > * That few of these types of fibrous minerals have been formally > classified as asbestos and regulated as such would appear to be more a > function of what fibers were in use commercially at the time the > regulations were created. (Baumann, F., J. P. Ambrosi, and M. Carbone. > 2013. Asbestos is not just asbestos: an unrecognized health hazard. The > Lancet Vol 14 June 2013). > > * To be certain, vermiculite has at times been found to contain > asbestiform amphiboles (groups of needlelike silicates clumped together) > such as winchite, richterite, and tremolite, the latter of which is > regulated (Sullivan, P. 2007. Vermiculite, respiratory disease, and > asbestos exposure in Libby, Montana: Update of a cohort mortality study. > Environmental Health Perspectives Apr; 115 (4): 579-585). > > > My question to the list: Why is anyone using vermiculite as an absorbent > when inert and safe alternatives such as polypropylene chemical spill > absorbent pads are widely and cheaply available? Failing any good answer to > this question, my follow up would be, can we all please stop? > > Best wishes, > > Rob Robins > > > P.S. The Baumann paper concludes thusly, and I agree: > > “The restricted regulatory definition of asbestos to six fibres used > commercially contributes to miscommunication and uncertainty regarding the > toxic effects of some fibrous minerals. We propose that all fibrous > minerals be handled as potentially pathogenic until they are proven safe. > Moreover, to protect human health, a wider regulatory definition of > asbestos should include all potentially carcinogenic mineral fibres, > without distinction of type and commercial use.” > > Robert H. Robins > Collection Manager > Division of Ichthyology > FLMNH Fishes logo email small > Florida Museum of Natural History > 1659 Museum Road > Gainesville, FL 32611-7800 > Office: (352) 273-1957 > Fax: (352) 846-0287 > [log in to unmask] > www.flmnh.ufl.edu > > > Search the Collection: > http://specifyportal.flmnh.ufl.edu/fishes/ > > ===================== > > ------------------------------ > > End of ECN-L Digest - 8 Feb 2018 to 9 Feb 2018 (#2018-15) > ********************************************************* >