EMUS Loan Policy

Scientific progress in understanding Earth's secrets relies on collaboration and communication. Loaning specimens for research purposes facilitates this collaborative effort to enhance our knowledge about the insect world, their behaviors, morphological structures, distribution, and evolution.

Loan Agreement Policy

OVERVIEW: The Entomological Museum at Utah State (EMUS) supports the use of our collection for scientific research by other academic institutions. Loans of non-holotype material will be provided to entomologists and specialists for a duration of one year. Holotype material can be requested on loan, with a maximum of five (5) holotypes loaned at a time for a duration of one year. Requests for extensions should be made in writing to the EMUS Curator between two weeks to one month in advance of the loan return date. Specimens may not be forwarded to another institution without written permission from EMUS. Loans to students will be made through their major advisor or research supervisor. There is no charge for loans. Specimens that are rare, fragile or preserved in our liquid collection, may not be shipped. If you wish to examine fragile specimens, holotypes, or those preserved in the liquid collection, EMUS can provide space on the USU Logan campus for a visit (please contact the EMUS curator) or we can photograph specific specimens for virtual examination. If you prefer to visit, please contact the curator at least three (3) weeks prior to your planned visit to allow for appropriate preparations.

CARE OF MATERIALS: Specimens must be returned in their original condition. Specimens should be stored according to professional standards in cases and/or facilities that are free from hazards (e.g. excess humidity, temperature, light, insects, rodents, fire, vandalism, theft, etc). Written permission is required for destructive sampling, staining, clearing, or slide mounting specimens. All material associated with specimens (e.g. labels, microvials, point-mounts, etc) must remain with the individual specimen. Determination labels - even if incorrect - must be kept with the specimen, and all original documentation accompanying the specimens must never be discarded or covered over. Insect identification and other annotations must be made on a new label, written on acid-free insect label paper in archival ink. We request that changes in identification of specimens are accompanied by a determination label indicating the identifier and year. We would appreciate notification of taxonomic changes when material is returned.  

RESTRICTIONS: Due to the US Legislation, specimens may not be loaned out to researchers residing in China or Russia. In-house restrictions due to a history of complications with postal services include Brazil and Mexico.

SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS: The specimens are the responsibility of the borrower until received by EMUS. Therefore, they should be packed and shipped according too national and international laws governing transportation, and in a manner equivalent to or better than as received. Wooden shipping containers and Schmitt boxes must be returned to EMUS. The borrower is liable for any and all damage incurred during the period of the loan to any item borrowed from EMUS (even if caused by agents of any third party).

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