The herpetological collection in the Museum of Natural History at the University of Kansas is one of the most important collections of its kind nationally and internationally. During the past six years the collection has been undergoing renovation in the form of confirmation of identifications, taxonomic updating, association of ancillary data (color transparencies, tape recordings, etc.) with specimen data and reorganization. During the past two years a hierarchical electronic data management system has been established, and data on part of the collection have been input into the data management system. In October 1987 the Museum acquired the Albert Schwartz collection of about 68,000 specimens of amphibians and reptiles from the West Indies. This project will provide funds for (1) completion of the renovation of the collection and input of the data into the management system, (2) concurrent curation of the Schwartz collection and input of the data into the management system, and (3) collection storage equipment that will result in about 30% increase in the collection storage facilities.
