Loans: Invertebrate Paleontology Collections

Research Loans 

The Department of Invertebrate Paleontology loans cataloged fossil specimens to researchers affiliated with a recognized academic or research institution in support of scientific research and publication. 

All loans are made at the discretion of the Curator-in-Charge and are subject to the conditions outlined in the Research Loan Request Form. 

Eligibility 

Loans are made to the borrower’s institution, not to individuals. A permanent staff member must take responsibility for the care and return of all specimens. Student requests must be submitted through their academic advisor. 

Individuals or institutions with a history of lost or damaged specimens, or unreturned loans, may be denied further access to the collections.  

Specimen Availability 

Only cataloged specimens are available for loan. Type specimens are not normally loaned; however, exceptions may be made at the discretion of the Curator-in-Charge. Additional conditions may apply, including limits on the number of specimens, loan duration, shipping methods, and insurance requirements.  

Duration 

Standard research loans are typically issued for up to six months. Loans for CT scanning are typically issued for one month. Loans must be returned by the agreed due date. Extensions must be requested in advance and are not guaranteed. 

Failure to return materials may result in loss of borrowing privileges. In cases of persistent non-compliance, restrictions may be extended to cover all staff and students of the borrower’s institution. Further action, including legal proceedings, may be undertaken if necessary.  

How to Apply 

Before applying, please review the conditions in the Research Loan Request Form, including those relating to the use of specimens, care and handling, restrictions, shipping, acknowledgement, data sharing, and compliance. 

Loan requests should be submitted by completing a Research Loan Request Form and sending it by email to Museum Specialist Peter Daly ([email protected]) at least four weeks before the specimens are required.  

Download the Research Loan Form. 

For borrowers not previously known to the Department, a supporting reference may be required. 

All requests are reviewed by the Curator-in-Charge and assessed according to the availability, volume, and condition of the requested material. Additional conditions may apply for particularly fragile, rare, or high-value specimens. 

By accepting a loan, the borrower agrees to all applicable policies and conditions set by the American Museum of Natural History.