Laura-
Good for you and just hang in there.  Contact the curatorial department is an excellent idea.  At my last position, I was lucky enough to get the services of a retired engineer who had a strong intrest in research and more than enough time to volunteer.  After a little training (such as being taught not to believe everything he read and to cite his sources) he became a wonderful resource.  He reported to me once a week to pick up new research assignments and to discuss what had been gathered on others.  His willingness to learn and enthusiasm for the job made it possible for me to expand the research department (from one to two people) and answer more questions for the public.  Thank God for volunteers!  Without them all of us would have trouble fulfilling our missions.


Belinda Nickles
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