We are looking for volunteers to help us catalogue the Fountaine-Neimy collection, based within our Natural History department, within Shirehall Study Centre. The Fountaine-Neimy collection is a world-renowned collection of over 24000 worldwide butterflies collected between 1892 and 1940. The collection is a result of Margaret Fountaine and her partner Khalil Neimy who travelled around the world collecting and breeding specimens. Most of the collection being bred from eggs or caterpillars leading to exceptional condition. There are also 5 types in the collection. Researchers from all over the world come to see this important collection.
This role will help make the collections more accessible to researchers and the public.
What's involved?
This role will consist of creating documentation on our collection management software Modes. This will be transferring physical label information into a digital format, attaching associated pictures and adding extra information such as species name changes. The volunteer will be supervised by Dr Tony Irwin, Honorary Research Associate and Dr Leanne Melbourne, Senior Curator of Climate change and the Dynamic coast.
This role will take place on Fridays, 10am-1pm, based at Shirehall Study Centre.
Volunteers will need to be over 18.
Why get involved?
This is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on collections experience and experience using collections management software.
This role would be suitable for someone interested in natural history, butterflies and historical collections. Any extra specialist knowledge on Lepidoptera would be helpful but not required. It would suit someone with an interest in documentation who has a high attention to detail, is well organised and good with computers.
How to get involved?
- Sign up or Log in
- You will need to complete an application form and provide references.
- There will be an informal interview