Submission of Library plates (96- or 384-well stock plates)

1. Colonies should be picked into 384-well plates (Genetix cat# X7001 or X7007 or plates with exact external dimensions of: 128 x 86 x 10mm or 128 x 86 x 14.5mm) containing media within 3mm from the top of the well for efficient inoculation by the colony picker.

2. Media should consist of LB (containing appropriate antibiotic) with 10% Glycerol.

3. Plates should be covered with lid and wrapped with cellophane or plastic wrap to minimize evaporation.

4. Plates should be incubated for 12 hours at 37oC. 12 hours of growth is optimal for glycerol plates; overgrowth can result in low viability and poor sequencing results.

5. After incubation, examine plates for growth. Wells should be slightly cloudy indicating growth. Greater than 90% of wells on a plate should show growth.

6. Plates should be sealed with clear polystyrene with an automated heat sealer. Alternatively, aluminum adhesive seals (Fisher cat# 12-565-475; VWR cat# 73520-056) can be used, however, it is critical to make sure each well is adequately sealed. Be sure to press tightly around each well.

7. Freeze glyercol stocks at -80oC.

8. ALL plates submitted should possess unique identifiers. Printed or clearly handwritten labels or barcodes should be fastened to the long side of the plates as identifiers.

9. Glycerol-containing plates should be packed in dry ice and shipped in insulated containers. Make sure plates are surrounded by dry ice. If shipping more than one plate, wrap in foil or bind with vinyl tape so plates do not move around during shipment. DO NOT USE LAB TAPE. It will become brittle and tear when exposed to dry ice.