Valuable information from collections benefits not only scientists studying the evolutionary relationships of organisms or the biology and geology of the planet, but they form the basic materials that preserve our heritage in Idaho and provide context for humans on this planet. Our collections are used by students at ISU to enhance their educational experience through class work and research, as well as ISU professors and external users as part of their research programs. These collections also form the materials for public display in exhibits at ISU and other institutions.
Requesting Access
To access our collections or to request information about specific collections, please fill out the Request for Collections Use and email it to the Registrar. Once the form has been received, it will be forwarded to the appropriate collection manager and research curator for review. They will then reach out to respond to your inquiry and/or learn more about the specific needs for your request to determine if an Application to Conduct Collections Based Research is required. Requests by students require a letter of support and signatures by their advisors.
The IMNH maintains space for scientific research of our collections. We have several faculty and staff that can assist with research questions and inquiries. The IMNH understands and respects the importance of making its collections available for analysis and study by not only external researchers but the general public as well. As per our adherences to the ethical standards of the American Alliance of Museums we work diligently to strike a balance between our caring and preserving of collections with the goals of scientific research. We do this in order to preserve our collections for future generations.
We receive numerous applications each year to conduct scientific research on our collections. In order to protect our collections, we require all applications to be thoroughly reviewed. As this process is vital to the long-term preservation of our collections, this process can take a minimum of 1 month in advance of work, but can take up to 3 months. Our collections staff will assess the suitability of the project and base these decisions on a number of different criteria, which are listed in Appendix A: Proposal Requirements of the Application to Conduct Collections Based Research. Researchers filing an application to use museum collections are expected to indicate thorough knowledge of previous work undertaken and must provide bibliographic references.
This application is to be used when submitting requests for samples for analytical study. This includes requests for both non-destructive and destructive analyses of IMNH collections, including Reposited materials. The application should be completed regardless of whether the analysis is to be undertaken on the Museum’s premises or externally and includes projects supervised by or in collaboration with Museum staff, ISU Faculty or Federal/State Agencies.
The criteria for analysis include:
- Description of the project that includes research methodology, expected results, and significance
- Feasibility of project in terms of time spent using the collection
- Researcher curriculum vitae outlining experience and expertise related to the collections use request
- For destructive analysis, a detailed description of why non-invasive or non-destructive analysis cannot be used as well as a detailed description of the size and weight of sample required
- Previous work completed on same material
- The anticipated results of this research in publications
The application requires completion of several agreements depending on the type of analysis. If the information provided in the application is incomplete or insufficient to review the application in an acceptable manner, further information may be requested. The application should be submitted at least one (1) month in advance of work, at least two (2) months in advance in the case of destructive analysis and summer time requests (June through August). The review process can take up to three (3) months for more involved proposals. Federal collections will require additional approval by the appropriate agency; agencies may add other requirements, such as the need to consult with tribes under ARPA or NAGPRA when required (e.g. destructive analyses). Access to our collections cannot be guaranteed on short notice.
In the event that two or more applications for overlapping or similar research are received, we may ask those researchers to collaborate. If the collections item(s) is/are very fragile, and/or where the suggested analytical equipment/techniques (or more suitable non-destructive techniques) are available at IMNH or the Idaho State University, collaboration will be suggested.
Applicants should be aware that if permission for research is granted, the following conditions will apply:
- Any agreed upon costs of sampling by IMNH shall be paid by the applicant
- All samples owned by the IMNH, including raw digital replication files (image stacks, surface or internal scan data), will remain the property of IMNH (all mounted and residual samples shall be returned to the IMNH within one year unless otherwise agreed), and all samples owned by Federal Agencies remain the property of the Federal Agencies and will be returned to the IMNH within one year
- All results and analytical data must be submitted to the IMNH upon publication; if not published, data must be made available in a reasonable time frame as suggested by best-practices for the specific research field
- Samples may only be used for the purpose(s) outlined in the application (any other purpose must be the subject of a new application)
- One digital copy and one hard-copy of any publications arising from the work must be provided to the IMNH
- Any publication should acknowledge "Idaho Museum of Natural History, Pocatello" and the appropriate collection or repository/agency from which the specimen/data was derived
An applicant’s or an Institution’s previous conduct with respect to each of these conditions will be taken into account when reviewing subsequent applications. Failure to comply may result in denial of future requests. IMNH may also consult with colleagues at other institutions when assessing applications, particularly if samples have been requested from several collections.
How to apply
All requests pertaining to Collections (objects, documentation and/or digital media) require the submission of the Request for Collections Use form. The Collections Manager will advise if the Application for Collections Based Research is required. If it is, applicants must submit 1) the Conditions for Conducting Collections Based Research at IMNH form, 2) a research proposal, 3) a Request to Conduct Analytical Sampling (if laboratory or instrument analyses are proposed), and 4) a curriculum vitae for the Principal Investigator, details of which are provided in the Application package. Any application lacking one or more of these documents will not be considered. Forms and proposals may be submitted electronically to the appropriate collection managers.
Collections Use Policy
All users must obtain permission before examining any collection or using laboratory areas so Museum staff can coordinate visitors, track use of the collections, obtain permissions (if applicable), and comply with environmental health and safety requirements. All users must specify the collection they want to use; permission for access to one collection does not authorize use of others. All persons using the collections shall first read and then agree to abide by the Guidelines for Visiting Collections, some of which is summarized below.
Hours. Visitors must schedule an appointment to access collections. These appointments are scheduled between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday (excluding holidays), depending on staff availability and the needs of the researcher. Collections manager's must be notified ahead of time if work outside of these hours is necessary so that arrangements can be made.
Entrance Log. All persons using the collections shall sign the visitors log book at the entrance to the collections areas.
Food and Drink. Food or drink is not allowed in any of the collections areas. Enclosed drinks may be allowed in certain work spaces. Food and drink may be stored and consumed in the Museum's breakroom during your visit.
Specimen Care and Handling. The IMNH Guidelines for Handling of Museum Objects applies to all objects in collections. The collection manager will review these handling policies and specific handling concerns at the start of your scheduled visit. Appropriate gloves and masks will be made available for use in the Collections areas.
No objects shall be removed from the collections area without the permission of the Collections Manager.
No original supporting documentation shall leave the Collections area. This includes, but is not limited to, site forms, field notes, photographs, slides, and current research data. The Archaeological Survey of Idaho requires that a Statement of Confidentiality be read and signed by anyone requesting access to archaeological site location documentation or anyone who will be in the vicinity of such documentation, and that such signature implies certain legal obligations in regard to archaeological site location information.
Photography. We allow photography on all of the Earth and Life Sciences collections and portions of the Anthropology Collections. Visitors may also request existing photographs from the collection manager. Use of any photographs of an IMNH specimen or collections space taken during your visit in a publication, on social media platforms, or other venues requires submission of the IMNH Use and Reproduction Agreement to obtain approval and proper citation.
Most of the IMNH collections are available for loan for research, examination, or formal exhibition under the following criteria:
- Borrowers must be permanent professional staff or tenured researchers at a recognized academic or research institution or museum. Students or researchers with temporary appointments need to have a permanent staff member or tenured faculty member assume responsibility for the loan.
- All loans must be approved by a curator.
- Type specimens are not loaned out except in unusual circumstances.
- Specimens from active research collections will not be loaned except in unusual circumstances.
- The maximum term for a loan is one year, with possible renewal upon receipt of progress reports.
- Loans of reposited items require additional approvals from the relevant owners.
Conditions Governing Loans
Most of the time, special conditions will not be placed on loans made for research purposes. Professional courtesies, conventions, and standards normally apply, and are listed on the loan documents. However, in the case of loans for exhibition, for reproduction in a non-scholarly publication, for objects or specimens with great intrinsic or monetary value, or other selected circumstances, the Division has the option of attaching special conditions to the loan.
Insurance. Unless otherwise specified, the object will be covered by the borrower’s general insurance policy. If the Division wants a loaned object or specimen to be insured “wall-to-wall” – that is, completely covered, no (or minimal) deductible, from the time the object leaves IMNH until the time it returns – the Division must specify that such coverage is a condition of the loan. The borrower may be asked to furnish IMNH with evidence that the loan is insured.
Condition Reports. Condition reports are required as supplemental documentation associated with a loan. A condition report protects both the borrower and the lender because it is the best possible documentation in the event of a disputed claim by either party. This will be conducted by the Collections Manager or the Registrar.
Rights of Reproduction. The right to photograph an object and to use an image of the object for educational (e.g., lectures, theses) or personal non-commercial purposes is included in the conditions for outgoing and incoming loans. However, use of images or other reproductions of an object(s) for purposes not specified in the loan agreement, or inclusion in scientific publications requires the completion of a Use and Reproduction Agreement with the appropriate Division.
How to Request a Loan
It is recommended that borrowers contact the Division collections manager or curator to discuss the specific project and need for a loan. Once this has been reviewed, and objects have been selected, the collections manager will prepare the loan documents for approvals. Alternatively, potential borrowers may complete a Request for Collections Use form and email it to the Registrar for distribution to the appropriate Division staff.
Services we provide
- Background research including literature, museum database, and other record searches
- Curation and Storage
- Field investigations in Earth Sciences and Life Sciences
- Paleontological survey/testing/excavation
- Identification, preparation, and curation of natural history specimens
- Comprehensive archaeological and paleontological resource assessments, sensitivity surveys, and other types of evaluations
- Paleontological resource mitigation and monitoring
- Archaeological and paleontological repository for state and federal material
Fees
The IMNH charges fees to help offset the costs associated with the various services we provide. Please contact the appropriate Division staff for the current fee structures.
The Idaho Museum of Natural History Collections Division is grateful when an individual or organization considers donating their specimens or artifacts to our institution. Careful consideration goes into the decision of whether an object is best placed here or if it would be better suited at another institution. Objects or specimens should fit within the research scope and mission statement of the museum. At a minimum, specimens and artifacts must be legally acquired and have the appropriate documentation, which may include copies of permits when required for legal collection. Collection staff will not accept objects left at the Museum unless prior arrangements have been made.
Collections staff may be willing to identify objects if time and expertise allow. However, museums are legally and ethically prohibited from providing monetary estimates of the values of objects or specimens. A donor seeking an appraisal needs to seek the services of an accredited appraiser.
- If you have questions about donating an object, please contact the Museum's registrar.
- If you have a question about a specimen or an artifact, please contact the manager of that collection:
Earth Sciences - Amy Commendador
Life Sciences - Indah Huegele
Anthropology - Amber Tews