Terms & Conditions for use of the North Hertfordshire
Museum Loans Service

The new boxes contain multiple reproduction and original objects, photos, and information sheets. We are continually adding and altering items in the loans collection boxes, building up the most popular subject areas. For individual content, see the item lists.

There may be times multiple schools will request more than one box of the same type, so there will be restrictions to allow even apportioning of popular subjects.

These restrictions are:

No more than two boxes of the same subject per two-week period are available, if you need more you can either renew, or order two different boxes from the same subject for the following two-week cycle.

Late Returns

It is the school’s responsibility to pick up and return loans on time. Collection and return of the boxes to Burymead Resource centre must be organised with the team at least a week before.

Care of the loan boxes and items

It is part of the of the terms of service that all schools take special care of their loans, especially handleable items, which may be old, irreplaceable and fragile.

The school should ensure that everything is repacked in its entirety before returning the completed box. Loss or Damage must be reported immediately, and the school will be charged for replacement or repair.

Please note that boxes contain fragile objects and although they are classed as handleable, they are still delicate. If something breaks, please contact the loan service immediately; call 01462 474585, so the
service can provide advice or intervention. Please ask everyone handling items to wash their hands and thoroughly dry them before touching.

Acrylic cases

• Objects may have come loose during transport, please handle with care.
• Do not open the screwed down or sealed acrylic boxes.
• Display on flat surfaces, away from edges and not on high shelving.
• Do not put a source of light/heat close to the acrylic as it could melt under a normal bulb strength light.

Natural History Specimens

• The specimens are old and fragile.
• Do not allow the specimens to be touched. The chemical preservation process uses dangerous chemicals.
• Touching the specimen will cause faster degradation.

Costume

• Most costume items are original and fragile. Some have signs of damage. Please pack the costume back in
  the same way it arrived.
• Fold loosely and avoid pressure.
• Fabric is especially sensitive to heat, light and
  damp, so take special care when handling these items.

Data sheets, paper, and ephemera.

• Information notes will usually be laminated or sealed; however, this is not possible for all items.
• Wash hands and dry well before handling.
• Do not use pins, tacks, staples, or Sellotape to display archives, lay them on a flat surface.
• Blue tac can be used on laminated items but needs to be completely removed before repacking.
• Avoid liquids.