Technical Abstract: The accelerated use of genomic technology in biological research portends a changing pattern in the use of genetic resource collections and fuels the desire among researchers to establish DNA banks. DNA sequencing of herbarium sheet specimens, cell cultures and germplasm offers a new approach to studies of gene function, evolution, taxonomy and epidemiology among plants. A catalog of unique genetic sequences or “DNA barcodes” can conceptually unite diverse assemblages of repositories under a common registry of sequence accessions. The challenge for DNA repositories of today is to provide a product that is amenable for uses anticipated in the future. Long-term needs will have a decisive impact on operational organization and repository design and a major limitation involves specimen quality and shelf-life.