1. The archaeological research collections of the Laboratory of Anthropology (LOA) contain materials recovered and generated from cultural resource management projects, field schools, and individual research projects. These materials include artifacts, botanical remains, fauna, human remains, samples, field notes, site forms, reports, publications, photographs, negatives, slides, maps, laboratory notes, and other documentation generated as a result of a project.

Note: The use of human remains for teaching and research purposes are subject to the procedures outlined in the Policy For The Acquisition, Treatment, And Disposition Of Human Remains And Funerary Objects Of United States Origin By The Department Of Anthropology, University Of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign.

2. The collections are currently housed in various locations on the campus of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

3. Requests to use the research collections are to be made in writing to the Director of the LOA. Requests should include a research proposal, what material is to be used, and any solicitations for permission to publish and/or photograph.

4. Manuscripts, notes, documents, photographs, drawings, and maps may not be published without prior written consent from the Director of the LOA. In granting permission to publish its materials, the LOA does not give up its own right of publication or its right to permit others to publish the same material.

5. Upon approval of the Director, access to these collections will be provided by the Curator Monday through Friday during the hours of 9:00am-3:00pm.

6. The collections may be removed from the storage area if needed. They will be checked out under the faculty or student's responsibility until they are returned to the curator.

7. Use which would alter, damage, or destroy any part of the collections is prohibited unless it is determined by the LOA that such use is necessary for scientific studies or public interpretation, and that the potential gain outweighs the potential loss. Please see the policy on destructive analysis.

8. Any resulting exhibits and publications shall acknowledge the Department of Anthropology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for use of the collections. A copy of all analysis results and publications shall be provided to the LOA.

9. Extreme care should be taken when handling artifacts. The following are required when working with the collections.
a. Clean and dry hands are required when handling specimens and documentation.
b. Use of ink when working with documents is prohibited.
c. Objects should be supported with both hands.
d. If an object becomes broken or damaged, notify the curator immediately in order that the condition may be corrected.
e. No eating, drinking, or smoking allowed when handling collections.
f. Work one drawer, shelf, or box at a time, replacing all objects in their original location before proceeding to the next drawer, shelf, or box. Objects have been inventoried according to their exact location.

10. Upon completion, please return the collection to the curator in the same form received, i.e.. same box, tray, etc. Any alterations to the collection will need to be agreed upon beforehand with the curator and may entail additional work upon the part of the faculty or student using the collection.

11. Violations of this policy could result in the loss of research privileges.

The LOA research collections are important resources. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated and will help to ensure that our collections are maintained and preserved.

Last Updated September 2001