Rules for Working with Collections

For scientific, cultural, or other purposes, access to the ornithological research collection of the Zoological Museum of Moscow State University (ZMMU) may be granted by the staff of the Ornithology Department, subject to compliance with a number of requirements. External researchers must ensure careful handling of the collection materials and are required to acknowledge the use of the ZMMU collection in their published works.

Access to the collection is possible only upon submission of a written referral from the institution employing the researcher. The referral must be issued in the researcher’s name and indicate the purpose of the study and the period of work at the Museum. Work by external researchers with the systematic catalogue or the department’s collection requires completing an application form addressed to the Museum Director; permission to work with the collection materials is granted by the Head of the Department. In addition, every researcher must sign the control sheets placed in each box containing bird specimens.

It is also highly advisable to arrange the dates of work in advance (by phone or e-mail) with the department’s staff, since they may be absent due to field expeditions.