Destructive Sampling, Reproductions, and Imaging
Destructive Sampling
Destructive sampling is a research method that involves intentionally altering or damaging a specimen to address specific scientific questions. Because this process is irreversible, the University of Colorado Museum of Natural History Paleontology Section must ensure that such requests are justified, scientifically valuable, and carried out by qualified researchers.
All requests for destructive sampling will only be considered after submission of a Destructive Sampling Request Form, which must be completed and submitted to the appropriate Curator and Collection Manager at least two weeks prior to the date the specimens are needed.
[Destructive Sampling Form Button]
Reproductions
Reproductions are physical copies or duplicates of specimens that can serve as substitutes for the original specimens in research, education, or display. Common reproduction methods include molding and casting, as well as 3D printing. Because some reproduction techniques have the potential to damage or alter original specimens, the Paleontology Section must ensure these techniques are conducted responsibly and only by qualified researchers.
All reproduction requests must be submitted using a Reproduction Request Form and approved by the appropriate Curator and Collection Manager. The form must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the date the specimens are needed.
[Reproduction Request Form Button]
Imaging
Imaging involves creating a digital representation of a specimen, which can be used for publication, research, or various forms of computerized analyses. Common imaging methods include photography, photogrammetry, CT scanning, and 3D scanning.
All imaging requests must be submitted using an Imaging Request Form and approved by the appropriate Curator and Collection Manager. The form must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the date the specimens are needed.
Image Use
The Paleontology Section provides high-resolution images and 3D digital data for research and educational purposes. Available images can be browsed through our online databases and available 3D digital data are accessible via MorphoSource.
To request images and/or 3D digital data, please email the appropriate Collections Manager with the following information:
- Requestor Information: Name, institutional affiliation, and email address.
- Specimen Details: A list of the requested specimen images or 3D data, including catalog numbers, taxonomic identifications, specific specimen parts (e.g., leaf, shell, tooth, track, eggshell, etc.), and the type of image or data needed.
- Purpose and Justification: A brief explanation of the intended use and the reason these images or 3D data are needed.
Conditions
- Destructive Sampling:
- Requests to destructively sample type or rare specimens will be denied.
- Any remaining material following destructive sampling must be returned to the Paleontology Section. It must be properly rehoused in suitable containers, labeled with the catalog number, taxonomic identification, and a description of the remaining material.
- Reproductions and Images:
- Researchers must image and, if necessary, reproduce the specimen before destructive sampling beings.
- Copies of all images and reproductions must be submitted to the Paleontology Section.
- Researchers may not retain molds created during reproduction.
- A set of casts, 3D digital files, or 3D prints may be retained by the researcher for standard museum use, provided each reproduction is clearly marked with the specimen’s catalog number.
- Specimens Under Government Repository Agreements: Specimens held under federal or state repository agreements require written permission from the relevant government agency before any destructive sampling and some reproduction methods can occur. A Collections Manager will assist researchers in obtaining the necessary permissions. Please allow several weeks or months for government agency approval to be obtained.
- Creative Commons Licensing: All images, 3D digital data, illustrations, or other digital depictions of specimens are licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International Public License (CC BY-NC 4.0). This license allows for sharing, redistribution, and adaptation of materials for non-commercial purposes, with appropriate credit. Users must:
- Credit the creator,
- Provide a link to the license, and
- Indicate any changes made to the original.
- Data Submission Requirements: After completing their project, researchers must send all resulting data and information to the Paleontology Section – and to the appropriate government repository agency, if required – so it can be included in the specimen’s catalog record.
- Prohibited Activities:
- Any unauthorized destructive sampling, reproduction, or imaging without the prior consent of the Paleontology Section will result in immediate suspension of loans, access to collections, and future use of the collections.
- Commercial sale of the specimens, material left over after destructive sampling, reproductions, or images is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate suspension of all access and may lead to legal action.
- Cost Responsibility: All costs associated with destructive sampling, reproduction, and/or imaging are the responsibility of the researcher.
- Attribution Requirements: Researchers must credit the CU Museum in any publications, images, reproductions, exhibits, or presentations, involving the specimens used. Specimens should be cited using their catalog numbers. If applicable, credit must also be given to the appropriate government repository agency (names will be provided as needed).
- Discretionary Authority: The Paleontology Section reserves the right to deny any request for destructive sampling, reproduction, or imaging, and to limit the number of specimens approved for such activities.
- Loan Policy Compliance: Researchers must agree to the Paleontology Section’s loan conditions before the specimens are lent. See the Loans page for more information.