Recently the University of Illinois and the INHS entered into a Memorandum of Understanding that calls for INHS to manage the university's zoological collections. Because of diminishing resources and changing priorities, the university is no longer able to provide the staff needed to oversee its collections. Rather than see the collections deteriorate or be dispersed, INHS has agreed to care for these collections. Many years ago the university's insect collection was transferred to INHS, and both institutions anticipate that the UI plant collections will be housed and managed by INHS when the new Survey building is completed.
The UI plant, mollusk, amphibian and reptile, and mammal collections are all large and scientifically very important. The bird collection, though relatively small, is historically important. Managing the INHS and UI collections together is more efficient and allows the vital data they contain to be integrated. Researchers and other users benefit by having the collections accessible and similarly managed. It should also be easier to attract funding from foundations for the larger combined collections. INHS is proud to be able to serve the scientific community and the people of Illinois as we continue our 140-year history of building and maintaining scientific collections.
Geoffrey A. Levin, Center for Biodiversity
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