Transaction Terms: Borrow
SI Data Content Committe, 1994, Version 1.0

IV. Borrow

A. Introduction

Borrowing objects and specimens to support exhibition, research, and educational activities is an integral part of the Smithsonian's mission for the "increase and diffusion of knowledge." Incoming loans are authorized by standard agreement which generally specifies the collection items to be borrowed, the purpose, time period, conditions of the loan, the responsibility of each party, and options for renewal.

Smithsonian museums borrow objects and specimens for temporary use from other Smithsonian units as well as from other educational and scientific organizations. The recipient of an incoming loan accepts physical custody and management responsibility for, but not title to, collections owned by other Smithsonian museums, external organizations, and individuals for a specified purpose and time period. To accept physical custody and management responsibility for an object under the terms of a loan agreement for an agreed purpose and for a specified period of time.

Borrow

To accept physical custody and management responsibility for an object under the terms of a loan agreement for an agreed purpose and for a specified period of time.

B. Terms

• Borrow

  Terms in Current Use

  BORROW
  Source: NMNH

  EXHIBITION LOAN
  Source:
  AMSG/FGA, NPG, NMAA

  INCOMING -- SI
  Source:
  NMAH

  INCOMING LOAN
  Source: AM, C-HM, NASM, NMAfA, NMAH, NMAI, NMNH, NPG

  LOAN
  Source:
  AMSG/FGA, C-HM, NZP

  Historic Terms

  Source: NMAfA
  TEMPORARY LOAN
  An incoming loan retained for several months, usually for exhibition, conservation, examination, purchase consideration, or as an offer of gift.
  

• Long term loan
  To borrow an object usually for display or study purposes, or with the tacit implication that it will be acquired as a gift to the museum at some future date. Such loans are generally for long periods of time.

  Terms in Current Use

  LONG TERM LOAN
  Source:
  AMSG/FGA, NMAA, NPG, NMNH

  MASTERPIECE LOAN Source:AMSG/FGA
  
  Designates a group of long term loans to the Sackler Gallery from the Estate of Arthur M. Sackler. No termination date has been set for these loans. New loans are not added to this category.
  PERMANENT LOAN
  Source: NMNH

  Historic Terms EXTENDED LOAN
  Source:
  NMAfA

  PERMANENT LOAN
  Source: NMAH