University of California, Berkeley (University and Jepson Herbaria)

The University and Jepson Herbaria will purchase and install compact shelving for its botanical library and archives. Focusing on the history of western American botany from the 1860s to the present, the collections support a variety of research topics from frontier experiences and personal histories of botanists to changes in ecosystems and the development of conservation organizations. Severe leaks in the archives storage rooms have required the archives to be moved to temporary storage closets and wheeled carts in the library. The collections are thus scattered, and accessibility is difficult and limited. The project will reorganize the current library space to accommodate the archives, increase security, and improve environmental conditions for both collections. A conservator will provide training to staff in handling collections and identifying preservation issues. Long-term maintenance and preservation will be ensured, and collections will be easily accessible to staff, visiting scholars, and the general public.