With ever-increasing loan requests, the staff of the State Historical Society of North Dakota (SHSND) is finding it difficult to meet all requests in a timely manner. We therefore request that all museums and educational institutions who wish to borrow objects adhere to the following time line. All times are in advance of the loan shipment date. Entries in bold are the responsibility of borrowing institution's staff (borrower).

9-12 months - Begin consultation on objects to be selected for use in the loan. The Curator of Collections Research (CCR) consults with the borrower to help select objects and photos. The Registrar sends the borrower an artifact loan request "package."

6-9 months - All loan paperwork should be submitted including the Standard Facility Report, the Outgoing Loan Questionnaire, and a complete list of all objects to be borrowed.The loan request is considered by the Museum Collections Committee (MCC) once all the paperwork is in place. The MCC either approves or declines the request and notifies the borrower of the decision within one month of paperwork being received. Artifacts with special requirements are identified and special loan conditions indicated.

3-6 months - Requests for photo reproductions and photography of artifacts are submitted to the Photo Archivist with copies to curatorial staff and the Registrar. Begin making artifact transportation arrangements. The CCR and the Curator of Collections Management (CCM) will work with the Photo Archivist to schedule time for photographing objects within one month of the request. Insurance values for the objects are determined by the CCR. The Registrar sends the official loan agreement and the insurance values to the borrower.

2-4 months - Building of crates and/or mounts by preparator or designated contractor

1-3 months - Proof of insurance and object transportation plans are submitted to the Registrar. The object transportationarrangements are considered by the curatorial staff.

1-2 weeks - The CCM finalizes condition reports and sends copies to the borrower.

1 week - Assuming all conditions are met, the items are packed by the CCM or designated contractor.

PLEASE NOTE: Any changes in the loan dates or changes to the list of objects to be borrowed after the loan request is made may delay the shipping date or require re-initiation of the loan time line.