Like everything else in the museum world, it depends on what you mean by personal use.  If personal use means to show your friends or something like that, then the normal response is no.  But if personal use means scientific research that benefits both parties, then the answer is yes, if certain requirements are met.  At the Indiana State Museum, the majority of the answers would be no.  We don't lend for personal use.  But we do have several scientists associated with the Museum who occasionally borrow specimens for research that later result in completed catalogs, publications or public programs that benefit both the individual and the Museum.  It is a little trickier when the requestor is also the original donor, but that's when a good Collections Management Policy comes into play.  If the donor is informed at the time of donation that policy forbids such practices, then you can stand behind your policy if the matter comes us later.  Without policy to back you, it becomes much more difficult to say no.

Jeff Tenuth
Natural History Collection Manager
Indiana State Museum
650 W. Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
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From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Meghan Molloy
Sent: Thursday, July 11, 2013 3:47 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] protocol for patrons wanting to borrow museum artifacts for personal use?

Hello All,

   My museum has recently received several requests from patrons who have donated items to borrow the items back from the museum for personal use.  Are there existing guidelines or common best practices for handling this kind of request?

Thanks in advance for your input,
Meghan

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