Visitor Guidelines

Researchers should make arrangements for access prior to visiting in order to assure that adequate workspace is available. If specimens are being brought into the herbarium, these should be shipped far enough in advance to allow a minimum of 48 hours in the freezer. First-time visitors to the Herbarium must request an orientation to the collections and specimen handling before access can be granted.

Please be sure to sign the guest register located at the entrance to the Herbarium upon your arrival.

The Collections

The holdings of the RM are from Wyoming, the Rocky Mountain region, and elsewhere in western North America, although there is a significant representation from through the Northern Hemisphere. They are housed in a colorful array (and hence the "Rainbow Herbarium" moniker applied by some) of mobile storage units. Within these cabinets the specimens are arranged first by major group (non-vascular plants, Pteridophytes, Gymnosperms, Angiosperms-Monocots, and Angiosperms-Dicots) and alphabetically by family and species within each. At the generic level these are also segregated geographically: Wyoming specimens in red folders, other Rocky Mountain region specimens in yellow folders, and specimens from outside the region in manila folders (these are also arranged regionally by country; province for Canada, state for the USA); within each region specimens are further arranged alphabetically by species. Care should be taken by researchers to replace folders in the appropriate place; if unsure, please do not re-file the folders, we will be happy to do it for you

The Type Collection

Type specimens are separated from the main holdings of the herbarium, and require the assistance of the curator or herbarium manager for viewing. Extreme care in the handling of these specimens is required.

Library Use

The Herbarium Library is available for use by visitors. It is non-circulating so materials must not be removed. Information about photocopying can be provided by the curator or herbarium manager.

Handling of Specimens (A detailed guide is available upon arrival).

• Great care should always be used when handling specimens.

• Specimens should be held flat with both hands, such that the paper cannot bend and damage the specimen.

• Similarly, folders should always be carried horizontally and fully supported.

• Specimens in folders should never be shuffled, which can lead to damage of underlying specimen. Furthermore, specimens should never be turned over as pages in book.

• To inspect the contents of a folder, place it flat on a table, and stack specimens face up neatly to one side. Order of specimens within the yellow and manila folders should be maintained.

• Never rest objects such as books, your elbows, etc., on specimens or folders.

• Specimens in need of annotation or specimens should be brought to the attention of the herbarium staff.

Loans

If you would like to request an inter-institutional loan of specimens, please pull those specimens and notify the curator or herbarium manager. Please have a formal letter of request sent by the curator of your herbarium to the curator of the RM. Upon receipt, the loan will be processed and shipped. The standard loan period is one year, renewable upon request.

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