A STAFF MEMBER MUST BE PRESENT TO HAVE ACCESS TO THE HERBARIUM
- Specimens should always be handled with great care. Hold them by opposite sides rather than the base, so that the paper cannot bend downward and damage the specimen. Keep sheets flat and fully supported.
- Never shuffle specimens so that the edges of the sheets can damage the underlying specimens. Never align the specimens within a cover by holding them upright and striking the edges on a table.
- Never turn the specimens as if they were the pages of a book. Keep them face-up at all times.
- Before returning a cover to the herbarium case, be sure that all sheets are aligned so that none are protruding (they could easily be bent).
- Never bend specimens to examine them under a microscope. Use a long-armed microscope or hand-lens.
- Never rest heavy objects on unprotected specimens.
- Place loose fragments in fragment packages, if you are certain that they belong with the specimen. If there is not one attached to the sheet, check with a staff member about getting a packet.
- Do not force too many specimens into a shelf or storage box.
- Never keep specimens out of the cabinets for longer than is necessary. If you wish to leave specimens spread out in order, or in stacks for a short period, first cover them with cardboards for protection.
- Make sure that cabinet doors are firmly shut.
- Any specimens in need of repair should be brought to the attention of herbarium staff.
- Please use caution when refiling items. Misfiled items may take years to relocate.
