Policies 


Acquisition:
The insect fauna of the southeastern U.S. (except Florida) is poorly represented in collections. Because the UGCA serves as the regional systematics center, highest priority for acquisition is given to material from Georgia. High priority also is given to the development of specialty collections reflecting active research by the faculty and graduate students at the University of Georgia. The UGCA continues to acquire and maintain voucher specimens for all arthropod research undertaken at the University of Georgia.

Loans:
The UGCA provides loans of specimens to all qualified people. In the case of students, loans are issued to the major advisor. The Collection also initiates solicited loans for specialists to study our holdings of their specialty groups. There is no rigid time limit on loans. If a loan remains outstanding after four years, an inquiry is made about the progress of the research. Specialists can retain up to a third of each series of undetermined material in return for determination services.

Destructive sampling:
The researcher must demonstrate that reasonable efforts were made to obtain fresh material and that the methods of analysis to be used have been successful on related taxa. Up to 10% of a series may be permitted for destructive sampling. Removal of specimens will be indicated in the collection by a pin bearing label data and a voucher number that references the researcher and resulting publications of the research. No type or voucher material will be deaccessioned for destructive sampling and no part of such specimens may be removed for these purposes.

Access to Collection:
The UGAC is available to the entire scientific community during normal business hours. Special arrangements are made for researchers, permitting access to the collection on weekends, evenings and holidays. The public may make an appointment to tour the collection in the company of a staff member.

Please note: These policies are provided as general guidelines only and are subject to change.