The Division of Genomic Resources (DGR) of the Museum of Southwestern Biology (MSB) is a centralized repository for cryogenic material from all MSB divisions at the University of New Mexico and other individuals and institutions worldwide for which archival agreements are extant. Collections include, but are not limited to, cryogenically preserved samples of plant and animal tissues, whole organisms such as embryos and parasites, purified nucleic acids. Samples are archived in ultra-low, at a minimum of –80 degrees centigrade.

Specimens are accepted for permanent deposition and available for loans based on the policy outlined below.

Loan Policy

1. Under normal conditions, loan of materials or access to the DGR database will be determined by the curator in consultation with appropriate division personnel and/or with appropriate donors. For recent accessions and for sensitive materials it is divisional policy to consult with donors prior to granting access to materials or information. The length of time such restrictions remain in place will be determined on a case by case basis.
2. Loans are made to institutions on behalf of qualified researchers.  Major professors must co-sign loan requests for their students. 
3. A loan or information request will only be considered if made in writing to the curator of DGR in care of the collection manager.
4. Loan approval may depend upon the volume of tissue available and rarity of taxon.
5. Preference is given to researchers who collect specimens.
6. Any unused material (including molecular extracts and ancillary products) not consumed in the study should be returned to the DGR.
7. Loans are normally made for a period of one year and are for the sole purpose stated in the loan agreement. Use for other purposes or re-distribution to other parties is strictly prohibited without prior written consent from the curator of the DGR.
8. The MSB Division of Genomic Resources is to be acknowledged in all presentations and publications resulting from loaned material. Reprints of published works shall be provided to the division.
9. The cost of shipping and handling is to be borne by the user except in cases where reciprocal agreements or other arrangements are in place.
10.  Individuals receiving loans of DGR material are considered official representatives of the institution to whom the loan is made. Willful violation of the conditions of the loan agreement may result in loss of use privileges for that institution.

1. All accessions (permanently archived material) from non-MSB individuals or institutions must have written approval from the curator of DGR. Long-term projects involving multiple accessions may be authorized under a single agreement. Likewise, a single agreement with an institution or agency where the DGR serves as the repository for multiple accessions from that institution is allowable provided all stipulations below are met.
2. Donations of materials to the DGR are regulated by policies of the MSB and the University of New Mexico (see MSB policy manual for details). In most cases, tissues are accessioned without conditions and become the permanent property of the University of New Mexico. Exceptions will be considered on a case by case basis where state or federal laws prohibit such donations or where especially sensitive materials may be involved (also see loan policy below).
3. Proof must be provided that all material was legally collected and, for non-US samples, legally exported and imported.
4. All samples must be accompanied by relevant data. This includes identity and final deposition site of voucher material and other appropriate information such as date of original collection, geographic location of the collection, collector, location and method of amplification, GENBANK accession numbers, etc. Before samples will be accepted into the DGR collection they must be marked with the DGR NK number, issued by the collection manager or curator, unless otherwise pre-arranged.

1. Inquires about the Division of Genomics Resources holdings must be made in writing or e-mail to the curator in care of the collection manager. If the information request is approved by the curator of DGR, the user will be sent a list of holdings from which they can then request specific samples by DGR NK number.
2. A request for a loan of material must be made in writing on institutional letterhead addressed to the curator and copied to the collection manager. The request should contain the following information:
1. A brief outline of the goals, methods, and project time-line justifying the use of the samples. Please include the numbers of tissues collected by the researcher and those requested from institutions other then DGR.
2. The list of specimens requested by taxon and NK number. Please specify the amount of tissue required and the preferred shipping method. (e.g. Dry ice, 95% EtOH).
3. A Fed-EX account number(or comparable charge number) for shipping expenses.
4. Copies of USDA, CITIES Institutional or other appropriate permits (if required).

Loan Receipt and Conditions

1. It is the borrowers responsibility to immediately report specimen damage and/or discrepancies in the invoice. 
2. Loans are made to other institutions by the MSB-DGR and are subject to the condition that, should MSB desire to recall any item for its own purposes, it may do so with 30 days notice to the borrower.
3. Frozen tissue must be maintained in an ultra-cold facility (- 80^oc freezer or liquid nitrogen) until used. 
4. Patenting of products discovered in these specimens (or ancillary materials) is not allowed without the written consent of the Director of the Museum of Southwestern Biology. Material is non-transferable and unused portions of tissues and resulting products must be returned promptly (on or before the end of the loan period) to:

Cheryl Parmenter 

Museum of Southwestern Biology 

Division of Genomic Resources 

MSC03 2020, Department of Biology 

University of New Mexico 

Albuquerque, N.M. 87131

Great care should be taken in packing specimens for shipment.  Use the following information as a guideline for shipping:

1. Frozen tissue: Use a minimum of 10lbs of dry ice for overnight shipments. Tissues should be double bagged in plastic to prevent leakage.
2. Alcohol preserved tissues may be shipped in a secure container at room temperature.
3. DNA may be shipped in a secure container at room temperature.
4. Place a copy of the loan invoice in an envelope attached to the outside of the shipping container. Insure loan and shipment for the maximum amount allowable.