Individuals working in biodiversity collections were invited to complete a 23-question survey. No identifying information about the individual or institution was requested.
More than 390 individuals completed the survey.
Results include:
- 96% of natural history collections were unavailable for use in April.
- Most of the scientific collections reported some regular monitoring of resources, but less than 30% were being monitored for pests – a significant threat to collections.
- More than 90% of respondents were working from home, mostly on some aspect of data transcription based on specimen images captured prior to the shutdown.
- When asked about chief concerns arising from a 1-3 month closure:
- Just under 64% were worried about their ability to provide vital research resources;
- Just under 49% were worried about a loss of funding for collections care materials and supplies;
- Just over 47% were concerned about their ability to provide outreach opportunities for the public;
- Nearly 47% were concerned about the loss of staff because of budget cuts;
- 43.5% were concerned about their ability to meet existing grant and contract deadlines.
