The Center for Plant and Microbial Complex Carbohydrates, funded by The Department of Energy, operates as a national resource for the study of complex carbohydrates. The DOE Center provides service and training to academic, government, and industrial researchers who study the complex carbohydrates of plants and of microbes that interact with plants. A variety of services are offered to academic, government and industrial researchers. Scientists who request analytical services receive a written report containing a description of (i) the analytical procedures used, (ii) publishable quality results (data) of the analyses of their samples, and (iii) an authoritative interpretation of the results. CCRC personnel also provide collaborative service by becoming deeply involved in scientific research projects ith individuals from other laboratories. CCRC personnel consult with external scientists via e-mail and telephone, helping the scientists address specific analytical problems or interpretation of data. The CCRC's web site provides freely accessible, Internet-searchable databases assisting in aspects of carbohydrate science and a scheduler for shared use of instrumentation. The CCRC, upon request, provides researchers with chemical and biological samples. Training students and scientists in all aspects of carbohydrate science is a very important part of the CCRC's mission. Much of the training occurs when undergraduate students, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and visiting scientists undertake research projects with or take formal courses from CCRC faculty and staff. In addition, annual one-week training courses are offered for individuals from academic institutions, government laboratories, and private industry.