Registration

Loans of catalogued objects, specimens and archival records may be made to other public institutions for scholarly, educational or exhibit purposes, provided there is assurance that the objects loaned will receive an acceptable level of care and security. Loans are not made to individuals.

NOTE: As we are preparing to move to the Collections and Research Building in Colwood, we have reduced capacity to accommodate loans/acquisitions at this time. We are assessing loans/acquisitions on a case-by-case basis. While we are no longer accepting unsolicited donations, exceptions may be made for items of cultural significance, repatriation of Indigenous collection items, and research purposes. Repository agreements are also exempt.

Please click on the Loan Requests button at the top of this page. Requests for loans must be made in writing to the senior registrar and must include a description of the intended use of the materials, the duration of the loan period, the location of the venue and the object list (including catalogue numbers and discipline, if possible).

Sufficient lead-time is required to ensure that evaluation and approvals, inventory, condition reporting, documenting and packaging can be completed. Generally speaking, 18 months of lead-time is needed for us to process a loan request from beginning to end.

The duration of each loan shall be specified and will not exceed a continuous period of two years. When appropriate, a renewal period may be negotiated, prior to the return date. The total time that a loan can be out must not exceed 5 years. Renewals may be granted if sufficient notice is given, and opportunity provided for inventory checking, condition reporting and renewal of the contractual agreements. The Royal BC Museum reserves the right to inspect borrowed materials at any time and to recall the loan if conditions are not being met.

We require that the objects loaned be insured from the time they leave the Royal BC Museum to the time they return, at the borrower’s expense. The type, level of insurance, including the insurance value of the items, will be determined by the Royal BC Museum.

Costs associated with the processing of a loan may be borne by the Borrower. This may include but not be limited to:

• staff time for documentation and preparation of objects
• insurance expenses including the cost of external appraisals
• condition reporting, framing, mount making and treatment
• packing and crating materials and labour
• shipping costs
• unpacking, inspection and condition reporting at conclusion of loan

Labour costs will be assessed at the specific hourly rate of RBCM staff or approved contractors. An estimate of charges will be provided prior to the signing of the loan agreement.

All loans must be properly credited as stipulated in the Loan Agreement. Permission must be received in writing if the borrower wishes to photograph or reproduce a borrowed object. Licensing fees and agreements for use in publications may apply.

Yes. Please visit the Natural History loan request page for more information.