Loans & Policies

MISSA supports scholarly use of its collection through research visits and institutional loans.

Requesting a loan

Researchers wishing to borrow MISSA specimens should contact the Herbarium Director. Loans are normally made to recognized institutions rather than to individuals and should be requested through, or with the approval of, the receiving institution's herbarium or collections staff.

Loan requests should identify the taxon or specimen group needed, the research purpose, the researcher's institutional affiliation, and the person responsible for the material while it is on loan.

Care of loaned material

Borrowed specimens must be stored securely and protected from pests, moisture, excessive light, and unnecessary handling. Specimens may not be sampled destructively, remounted, repaired, or otherwise altered without prior written approval from MISSA.

Annotations

Researchers are encouraged to annotate specimens when their work results in revised identifications or taxonomic determinations. Please contact MISSA if you have questions about annotation format or placement.

Interim guidance: MISSA is developing a comprehensive Collection Use Protocol and updated Loan Policy. Until those documents are posted, please direct loan and policy questions to Herbarium Director Gary Ervin at ge14@msstate.edu or (662) 325-1203.