Specimen Loan Procedures and Policies for the Milwaukee Public Museum Invertebrate Collections
1. Specimens may be borrowed from the Milwaukee Public Museum for purposes of taxonomic research, public exhibition, and education. All loans must be authorized and documented by a formal loan agreement or contract.
2. Requests for loans must be made in writing to Invertebrate Zoology staff by a qualified staff member of a recognized research institution. Loans are not issued to students but may be assigned to their major professor if that person can vouch for the professionalism of the student and ensure compliance with the loan agreement. Loan requests should describe the nature and scope of work contemplated, the worker’s name, and all pertinent information on requested specimens. Loans are made to institutions and not to individuals. The borrowing institution assumes responsibility for the safekeeping and return of the borrowed materials.
3. A loan is made for a period of one year, except for type specimens which are loaned for six months. Extensions may be granted upon written request. Permanent retention of material is permitted only by definite arrangement. MPM retains the right to recall a loan prior to the agreed-upon date specified in the loan agreement if unanticipated circumstances warrant.
4. Specimens loaned must remain at the institution to which they were originally consigned and not be transferred elsewhere without written permission. Specimens on loan should be kept under insect-proof conditions and handled carefully to avoid damage. It is recommended that institution/loan transaction number labels be placed on undetermined specimens by borrowers to prevent mix-ups and potential loss.
5. Type specimens should be studied only to determine the correct application of a name. ALL TYPES AND UNIQUES MUST BE RETURNED, including primary types designated from our material. Specimens not previously identified as types should be so annotated and bear reference to any basionym and its publication.
6. Except for type material, limited dissection of specimens is normally permitted. Dissected portions (including permanent preparations) should be returned within suitable containers with each specimen. Studies necessitating permanent removal of fragments require prior permission. These specimens should be adequately annotated indicating disposition or location of dissected portions.
7. An identification label should be placed on or with each pinned/preserved specimen. Affirmations must clearly indicate the name affirmed, the date of annotation, and the annotator’s full name.
8. The borrower is expected to pay return shipping costs, to adequately insure the material, and to attach all necessary travel certificates, documents, or permits. Unless otherwise agreed, all primary types loaned to you must be returned via registered air-mail.
9. Loans from the Milwaukee Public Museum (MPM) invertebrate collections should be acknowledged in published works. The Curator should receive a reprint of each publication based in whole or in part upon the borrowed.