Abstract The Museum of Vertebrate Zoology (MVZ) will pursue better curation and improvement of its tissue collection. This collection, one of the largest in the world, houses over 55,000 samples of genetic material from terrestrial vertebrates. However, a large backlog of uncatalogued material (over 25,000 samples) has accumulated as a result of several uncontrollable factors. In addition, recent changes in curatorial procedures, made in conjunction with the modeling and development of a powerful new database system, call for the integration and recataloguing of large series of samples that are currently maintained in separate collections. Changes in MVZ staffing and curation of the tissue collection will ensure that another backlog does not accumulate and that regular operations of the collection are maintained during and beyond the grant period. This project will support the purchase of new equipment and supplies for storage and organization of the collection, and a full-time assistant for two years to complete the following tasks: (1) inventory the entire collection; (2) cross-reference tissues to voucher specimens; (3) assign MVZ catalog numbers to all samples; (4) label vials with the MVZ number; (5) and reorganize and integrate all samples in the collection. The time frame for completion of the project is based on detailed task analyses. The proposed project is essential if data from the tissue collection are to be integrated with those of the main specimen collection in the museum-wide database system under development. Completion of the project will greatly improve the availability of samples and associated data to the national and international research communities. Primary and long-term benefits of this project include: (1) increased accessibility to over 25,000 samples that are now uncatalogued and uncurated; (2) integration of all samples of a give n taxon, thereby increasing retrievability; (3) more accurate information regarding numbers and types of samples of each taxon, and better tracking of use; (4) up-to- date information on voucher specimens; (5) greater efficiency in the processing of tissue grants and requests for information; and (6) broader dissemination of data on samples in the collection, including WWW access. Providing on-line accessibility to all MVZ specimen holdings and associated data is a vital component of the Museum's long- range plans.
