GUIDELINES FOR THE CURATION OF GEOLOGICAL MATERIALS

Information
El.
E1.3.
USES OF COLLECTIONS: SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Collections must be usable, i.e. accessible for study.
They must, therefore, be ordered, documented and indexed to facilitate use;
there should be an efficient information retrieval system, whether it be via the
specimens themselves or via documentation methods.
For large and important collections catalogues and indexes are most important,
and published versions allow a wider knowledge of the specimens.
Consider carefully the uses made of the collections, and available resources,
before deciding upon the range of indexes necessary for your particular situation.
Study
E2.1.
E2.1.2.
E2.2.
E2.3.
E2.3.2.
E2.4.
E2.4.7.
Exhibitions
E3.
E3.1.
E2.3.
E3.3. and
3.4
E3.5.
Provide access and study facilities for visiting scientists, as well as the necessary
security for the specimens.
Always record visits and allow scientists to provide comments, preferably on
separate slips, about items in the collections.
Establish and enforce a loans procedure for specimens lent out and for specimens
temporarily in the museum.
Update all relevant documentation when specimens have been utilized in a
publication.
Be alert to the need of biographical and historical research, as well as geologically
based topics.
You shoulder great responsibilities when housing type and figured specimens. Be
aware of the international codes of nomenclature, their rules and regulations
dealing with type and other status specimens, their documentation, safe housing
and access.
Beware of pre 20th Century specimens and labels marked "type". Check
thoroughly the evidence for specimens being type of figured and record your
findings.
Successful exhibitions require much dedication, skill and, commonly, resource.
Have a clear concept of the objectives, including consideration of the visitors, the
budget and timetables. Evaluate these plans.
Prepare a brief for the designer, including information on objects to be included.
Select objects and illustrations.
Prepare script for headings, text, labels, etc. A difficult job!
Consider the possible needs of information at two levels, or of a separate booklet
about the exhibit which allows the provision of extra information.
Monitor response by the public to a new exhibit and try to learn from the results.
Experience in mounting displays resides in many museums and helpful advice is
usually freely provided.