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Use of Collections The Bebb Herbarium of the University of Oklahoma is a significant collection with over 210,000 vascular plant specimens and over 220 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 Curator or other herbarium staff members. 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. 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 curator. 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 recent insect damage to the collections. 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
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