GUIDELINES FOR THE CURATION OF GEOLOGICAL MATERIALS

The movement of a specimen is an event and should be recorded, at least
temporarily. Usually, however, it is not the event itself which is significant; what
is important is for the curator to know the present or intended location of the
specimen concerned. Thus, a specimen absent from its normal storage position
must have with it information allowing for its correct, re-location. Conversely, an
empty position in a cabinet or display must, where practical, carry information
telling a curator where the specimen is. This section of the Guidelines gives
recommendations on the methods available to the curator by which these
requirements can be met.
THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS OF SPECIMENS IN STORE
The documentation of specimen storage is covered in Section B4.4.8.1 and the
principles underlying the physical storage of specimens covered in Section C3.
Both sections discuss methods which have resulted from a consideration of the
ways in which specimens are used and are therefore of great significance here. It
is therefore worth emphasising the following points:
Specimens in store should:
bear a unique identity number;
be enclosed in a tray or other container, where practical;
be accompanied by relevant and appropriate labels, each of which bears the
unique Specimen Identity Number.
In addition storage location information may be recorded explicitly by drawer or
cabinet number, etc. (but see B4.4.8.1). Alternatively, this information may be
implied if specimens are stored according to a classification. In the latter case, the
classifying term(s) concerned, should be written on a suitable label, usually the
Specimen Label.
THE REMOVAL OF SPECIMENS FROM STORE
When a curator is faced with the task of temporarily moving a specimen from
store to another location he should be concerned with the following problems:
How can he ensure the eventual correct re-locations of the specimen back in
storage?
How can he ensure that the existence of the specimen elsewhere is
signposted in the store?
How can he preserve the association of labels and data?
The strategy which has been developed to solve all of these problems utilises the
Removal Slip.
5.2.1. The removal slip (see Fig. 7)
Where specimens are being removed for any purpose, for example loan,
exhibition, conservation, research, etc., this formalised device is recommended.
The Removal Slip should be a pre-printed label, ideally self-duplicating, on