Procedure for loans
The Loans section of National Museums Scotland handles all
requests for loans for exhibition and display. Information on the
loans process is detailed below, however, every loan request is
individual and we are happy to offer guidance to museums on the
standards and procedures required.
Loan applications
A minimum of six months' notice is normally required for loan
applications. These should detail what is requested, why the loan
is required, where it will be displayed, when, and for how
long. Please note there will be restrictions
on lending during 2010 and 2011.
All requests are first submitted to National Museums Scotland
Loans Committee for in-principle approval. This committee deals
with practical issues in relation to the decision related to a loan
request.
If approval is given, National Museums Scotland will arrange for
a conservation assessment of requested objects to check that they
are suitable for loan and to determine the standards of handling
and care required.
National Museums Scotland will arrange for an assessment of
security at the proposed venue to be carried out by the Museums
Security Advisor. The Loans Section will also discuss display
arrangements with the borrower including environmental standards,
display cases and any mounting requirements.
If the borrower can meet all the standards required a formal
loan agreement will be drawn up.
Costs
Generally loans are delivered and installed by National Museums
Scotland staff. Costs are kept to a minimum - the charges made are
for transport and any staff expenses or mounting and framing
requirements. National Museums Scotland Loans staff can discuss
costs expectations with potential lenders in advance.
Improving standards
Museums Galleries Scotland’s Grant Aid fund can be applied to
for contribution towards upgrading standards to National Museums
Scotland Loans standards (subject to MGS assessment). See www.museumsgalleriesscotland.org.uk for
further details.
If you have any questions please contact National Museums
Scotland Loans Manager, Lyn Wall, on 0131 247 4364, or e-mail
l.wall@nms.ac.uk