OSAC Renovation
The building in which OSAC resides is getting renovated over the next four years and phase 1 required the collection to be temporarily moved to off-campus space. So, in Spring of 2020, along with the occupants of the west side of Cordley Hall, we packed up and moved about 3 miles west to the Research Way Lab Building RWLB. All of our cabinets had to be carefully unpacked, the drawers placed onto pallets and carefully moved to RWLB, where they were re-installed, unpacked and put away in order. This endeavor was to be completed over the summer, but with the pandemic (see below) it has slowed and while all our specimens are safely moved into the new site, much of the other supplies, resources that make the collection 'function' are still being unpacked, organized and set up. We are working as fast as possible given the challenges of having people in the space, and will open again as soon as we can do so safely and effectively. We are working under diffucult circumstances, but still processing small loans. If you need a loan or to return a loan, please contact me, Chris Marshall marshach@oregonstate.edu in advance as shipping/receiving has also been impacted by the move and covid. Thanks, Chris
COVID-19 *(updated Jan 5, 2021)
The pandemic has made access to the collection, even by staff, more difficult. We are currently revising our research resumption plan, but the county we are in (Benton County) is currently at "Exteme Risk" levels. Guidance at this level requires employees to work remotely if possible and that offices be closed to the public. This means that non-essential tasks that require physical access to the specimens/museum space is not possible at this time. As covid levels drop and ou space is fully operational (see above) we will work out means for limited specimen-based research to take place. Tours and some research activities (that require close coordination with museum staff) may not be feasible until Benton County is again at "Lower Risk" levels and/or vaccinations are more widespread (e.g., late Spring or Summer 2021). We apologize for this inconvenience, but the collection space is extremely close quarters with so many cabinets that accommodating non-OSAC staff is extremely challenging. We thank you in advance for your patience and look forward to being fully operational later this year. -Chris
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