Restoration of Paleozoic and Mesozoic Vertebrate CollectionsStovall Museum

俄克拉荷马大学斯托瓦尔博物馆的脊椎动物古生物学藏品是美国保存此类材料的主要藏品，是现存最好的南部平原脊椎动物进化记录之一，在各个方面都是独特的研究资源。特别是古生代和中生代，包含许多模式标本和特殊系列，包括大量俄克拉荷马州二叠纪四足动物和独特的恐龙动物群或标本。这些标本是在本世纪初的一段很短的时间内收集起来的，从未得到适当的管理；由于随后数十年的不活跃和忽视，目前无法获取标本，因此无法用于研究目的。近年来，该大学采取了积极的步骤来纠正过去在藏品护理方面的不足，重新建立了一个积极的脊椎动物古生物学项目，并承诺为未来提供更多的支持。该项目将支持恢复古生代和中生代脊椎动物，这是最需要的研究目的。该计划将包括1)将适当的标本安装在适当的存储单元中；以及2)标本的鉴定、保存、与现场数据的重新关联以及编目。收藏品的回收将恢复其作为研究和教育资源的能力，使预期的机构支助水平能够在未来保持藏品管理的高标准，并使收藏品能够重新增长。

The vertebrate paleontology collection of the Stovall Museum, University of Oklahoma, constitutes a major US holding of such materials, is one of the best existing records of vertebrate evolution in the southern plains, and is in various respects a unique research resource. The Paleozoic and Mesozoic holdings, in particular, contain a number of type specimens and exceptional series, including a large collection of Oklahoma Permian tetrapods and singular dinosaur faunas or specimens. The collection was amassed during a short interval earlier in this century and was never properly curated; because of ensuing decades of inactivity and neglect, the specimens are currently inaccessible and thus not available for research purposes. The University has, in recent years, taken positive steps to redress past deficiencies in collections care, has re-established an active program in vertebrate paleontology, and has committed itself to increased levels of support for the future. This project will support recovery of the Paleozoic and Mesozoic vertebrates, which are most in demand for research purposes. This program will involve 1) installation of the appropriate specimens in proper storage units; and 2) specimen identification, conservation, reassociation with field data, and cataloging. Recovery of the collection will restore its capacity as a resource for research and education, will permit projected levels of institutional support to maintain high standards in collections management for the future, and will enable the collection to experience renewed growth.