Collection Forum 1/1

Now is a good time for us to develop a fellowship of people who are concerned with scientific collections and the proper preservation of ail objects of nature. We work for different kinds of institutions; we work for different levels of government; and we work in different parts of the world with contrasting financial support. Most associations with such broad interests were organized and started almost a century ago before large government-funded institutions were created.

Communication is the ever-present problem that this Society will help. It will encourage companionship among people with diverse backgrounds and origins but with very similar practical problems. Collection managers and curators around the world need information from a wide variety of fields; taxonomy, computers, conservation, (hazardous) chemicals, supply sources, specimen deterioration, etc., etc. Interestingly enough, it is known that creative minds have (almost) always found stimulation for new ideas from those working in different fields of study. Curators of scientific collections have been divided and conquered for too long and we need an organization that we can call upon to stand up for us in carving out a niche in our complex society.