University of Guam transfers Guam Cultural Repository operations to Department of Chamorro Affairs; staffing and JRM intake plans remain work in progress

The Guam Cultural Repository (GCR) has moved from the University of Guam to the Department of Chamorro Affairs, agency and university witnesses told a legislative hearing Oct. 21, but officials said several operational and funding questions remain as the repository ramps up to receive large incoming collections.

Monique Storey, representing the University of Guam, told the committee the original memorandum of understanding established UOGmanagement of the repository to stand up operations and staffing; that MOU expired Sept. 30 and repository employees were transferred to the Department of Chamorro Affairs under the Guam Museum division. "The intent was always for the repository to return to the Department of Chamorro Affairs under the purview of the Guam Museum," Storey said.

Key points: repository staffing, federal standards and incoming materials

- Staffing: witnesses said the repository is currently operating with a staffing pattern intentionally limited to stand up operations but acknowledged the core technical complement is not yet fully staffed. Testimony noted an initial staffing level…