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^[[Geol]]

4

[[underline]] Research time [[/underline]] .- As Head Curator, I am father confessor for the scientists in the divisions. To a man these complain over a lack of research time. Biological and stratigraphic work are now so detailed and exacting that it is difficult to be an effective research man and a useful curator at the same time. For a man to turn out adequate research, he must either devote his own time to the research, or neglect his curating. Either course is not a healthy one. The job of each man should be so regulated that he have at least half of his time for research, and most of the other half for curating. A possible solution of the problem is more museum aids, or the development of assistant curators whose primary duties will be the curating of the collections and attention to examination and reports and other routine matters.

The Smithsonian Institution evidently takes great pride in research accomplishment. But, if good research is to continue, the Smithsonian must make it possible to do research as a part of the job rather than on bootlegged time or by personal sacrifice.

[[underline]] Dual jobs [[/undelrine]] .- After three years as Head Curator, I am now convinced that the idea of having a head curator occupy a dual role is wrong. This again means stolen time to get necessary jobs done, frustration and inefficiency. The Head Curator should devote at least half of his time to being the administrative head of the department and the other half to his research. In the case of the Division of Invertebrate Paleontology and Paleobotany, this is one of the most difficult jobs in the Museum, by virtue of its connection with the U.S. Geological Survey and the enormous size of the collections. Relationships with the men of the Geological Survey are complicated and delicate. They also require much time in consultation and considerable understanding of both organizations. This curatorship is,