Loans and Visits
Our loan program is back open, but please expect delays. Visits are now available in limited capacity.
Loans are under the control of the appropriate curator and collection manager and authorization
will depend on such things as number of specimens requested, condition of specimens, and
likelihood of shipping without damage. You may search the Arctos database to see our available holdings or email the collection manager (mzhuang@utep.edu) for help in using Arctos.
How to make a loan request
Requests for loans of specimens should be on an official letterhead to the appropriate curator and collection manager and should include:
- the nature of the research
- statement of storage conditions
- agreement to nondestructive sampling, unless stated otherwise
- for students, signature of the student’s major professor.
For tissue loan requests, please let us know what tissue you prefer (heart, liver, muscle, kidney, blood).
Loans normally are for 6 months and may be renewed. Storage of loan material must meet professional standards and all loan material MUST be kept in a designated loan area. Loans should be returned in the same manner that they were received. The cost of international loan shipping is generally the responsability of the requestor.
Specimens are to be cited in publications either in-text or supplementary materials by GUID i.e. "UTEP:Inv:3423" or "UTEP 3423" with the name of the relevant collections. Please send reidentifications, relevant data, and copies of resulting reports, projects, and publications to the appropriate curator and collection manager.
Visits
For visits, please email the appropriate curator and collection manager to schedule a time, preferably at least one week ahead of the preferred time. The collections are open from 9AM to 5PM M-F. Parking passes are available with appropriate notice.
Destructive sampling
Requests for destructive sampling are decided on a case by case basis. Letters requesting destructive sampling must explain why destructive sampling is necessary and give evidence that the researcher has experience with the requested procedures. Any material that is unused should be returned.
Measurements and Photographs
Based on availability of curatorial staff at a given time, researchers can request measurements and/or photographs of specimens by email. All photographs taken by curatorial staff will be published on Arctos. Photographers should be acknowledged in publications.
