Archives and Special Collections
Contents
Statement of Purpose
These links and documents contain information about best practices for archives and special collections relevant to natural history collections.
Introduction
Special Collections are collections that are separated from an institution's main collection according to; collector, rarity, specimen type, collection purpose, age, value, geographic area, condition, value or other reasons. Most libraries and museums will house at least one special collection.
Uses
Special Collections will have specific functions and value depending on the institution. Educational institutions may have a special teaching collections for example. Other reasons for creating or housing a special collection can include things like protecting rare or culturally significant pieces. The goal of separating these collections is so individuals can have access to specimens while ensuring their longevity.
Common Collection Types
- Herbarium- Plant Collections
- Fungiarium- Fungi Collections
- Entomology Collections- Insect collections
- Mammalolgy Collections- Mammal Collections
- Ornithological Collections- Avian Collections
- Geological Collections- Fossil and Mineral Collections
- Library Collections- Book, Manuscript, and Art collections
Contributors
Julian Birnbach
Source Material
Links
References
https://www.arl.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/scwg-report-mar09.pdf
