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The CAI currently curates collections from the American Midwest, Southwest, and Micronesia. CAI holdings total more than 11,500 cubic feet and encompass more than 10,000 linear feet of shelving space. Prior to 1994, CAI collections were dispersed among several buildings. In 1995, the CAI acquired the Stotlar building for use as a curation facility. Renovations to the 13,000 square foot building, which included the installation of essential ventilation, fire, and security systems along with storage shelves and locking cabinets, were completed two years later. More than 5,000 boxes filled with archaeological materials were transferred to the new facility in 1997. Since then the CAI has been busy reorganizing collections and upgrading their storage to meet federal curation standards. Local elementary and high school students, undergraduate interns, graduate assistants, and many volunteers have contributed their time to help repackage thousands of artifacts. Much work has been done, but there is still much more to do. Many collections still need to be repackaged and inventoried, including more than 2,500 boxes of artifacts transfered to the CAI Curation Facility in summer 2004. Computerized catalogs are being developed to track artifact collections and their associated documentation. Knowing what you have and where it is are very important in collections management. Today, more than ever, collections provide a vital resource for scholarly research, education, and public outreach programs so increasing their accessibility is an important goal of the CAI in upcoming years. The CAI offers internship opportunities to undergraduate and graduate students to increase awareness of the importance of the proper curation of archaeological collections. Internships provide hands-on experience with collections care and organization. Volunteer opportunities for individuals not attending SIUC may also be arranged. To inquire about internship opportunities, contact: Dr. Heather A. Lapham • Curator, Center for Archaeological Investigations • Southern Illinois University Carbondale • Carbondale, Illinois 62901-4527 • Tel: 618-453-5031 • E-mail: hlapham@siu.edu.
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