Use of Collections
The
Bebb Herbarium of the University of Oklahoma is a significant collection with over 215,000 vascular plant specimens and 214 type specimens. We have developed these policies to ensure preservation of the specimens for future research. Herbarium privileges are contingent upon adherence to Bebb Herbarium rules.
Access - Qualified individuals with projects related specifically to plant biology and systematics are encouraged to use the Research Collection with permission of the Herbarium Management (Wayne Elisens or Amy Buthod). Visiting researchers should contact the Curator prior to their visit to optimize and coordinate their time in the
herbarium.
We
also encourage use by interested individuals of the laminated
specimens of common Oklahoma plants in the Teaching Collection
located in the Goodman Foyer. Interested individuals should consult
a herbarium staff member prior to use of this collection.
Specimen
handling - Specimens are fragile and require special treatment.
All individuals who use the herbarium need to follow these protocols
for working with plant specimens.
Handling
- Do not bend or break specimens. Do not turn sheets face down.
Keep folders in order. Specimens may not be dry copied ('xeroxed')
without permission of the Curator.
Filing
- Herbarium staff will refile specimens in the herbarium. Please leave specimens to be refiled on the front bench (North end) of the herbarium with a note.
Dissection
-- The judicious dissection of specimens is normally permitted to
those involved in a research project, but the permanent
removal of plant material (i.e., destructive sampling) for analyses
must be approved by the herbarium staff.
Destructive
analyses - Permission from the Curator must be secured before any
material can be removed from specimens. Please see Destructive
Sampling Policy.
Fragment
Packets - Place loose plant pieces detached from specimens in the
packet on the sheet. Please notify herbarium staff of any sheets
lacking packets.
Insect
Damage Control - Please keep herbarium cabinet doors closed as
much as possible. Return all material to a cabinet (or give it to
herbarium staff for refiling) the same day. Do not leave specimens
out overnight. Please report immediately any evidence of insects or
insect damage to the herbarium staff.
Annotations
- We encourage annotations by specialists of the plants
concerned. Please consult with herbarium staff to obtain annotation
labels, adhesive, and pens with permanent ink. Annotation labels
should contain the complete scientific name (genus, species,
authority), annotator's name, institution, and date. Labels are
generally attached at one end with white glue, and should be
positioned so that they do not cover any writing or material on the
sheet. Please consult with herbarium staff before you attach
annotation labels to specimens.
Loaned
Specimens - Additional responsibilities entail use of specimens
loaned to OKL from other institutions. Please consult the Policy
for Specimens on Loan to OKL.
This
page is sponsored by the Oklahoma Biological Survey
Disclaimer
|