Information for visitors
to the Herbarium
Contents
1.
Getting to the Herbarium.................................................................................... 2
2.
Finding your way around the Herbarium .......................................................... 3
3.
Visiting hours and access ................................................................................... 4
4.
Arrangement of the Herbarium (finding what you need) ................................. 4
5.
Getting help ......................................................................................................... 5
6.
Use of the collections: regulations and specimen handling .............................. 5
7.
Other Herbarium regulations ............................................................................. 7
8.
Refreshments in the Herbarium ......................................................................... 7
9.
Other facilities in the Herbarium ....................................................................... 8
10.
Safety in the Herbarium ..................................................................................... 8
11.
Using the library and archives.......................................................................... 10
12.
Accommodation in the Kew area ...................................................................... 12
13.
Local facilities ................................................................................................... 12
14.
Useful websites .................................................................................................. 13
15.
Useful telephone numbers ................................................................................ 13
Annex 1 – Handling herbarium specimens ............................................................... 14
Annex 2 – Policy for the loan of herbarium specimens ............................................ 15
Annex 3 – Herbarium plan ......................................................................................... 16
1
1.
Getting to the Herbarium
Detailed information on getting to Kew is available on the Kew website at
www.kew.org/visitor/findkew.html
The nearest London Underground (Tube) station is Kew Gardens, on the District Line.
This station (10-15 minutes walk from the Herbarium) provides trains to Central London
and Richmond. North London Line railway trains also stop at Kew Gardens Station.
Kew Bridge Station, on the other side of the river from Kew Green (5-10 minutes walk),
provides trains to Central London (Waterloo via Clapham Junction). Several bus lines
run past Kew Green towards Richmond/Kingston or Central London.
Main sources of public transport access to Kew. Numbered circles indicate buse lines at each bus stop
From Heathrow Airport
From Heathrow, visitors may take the Piccadilly Line (underground) to South Ealing,
where they should leave the station and either (i) take a taxi to the Herbarium or their
accommodation or (ii) take the number 65 bus from South Ealing Station towards
Richmond. The bus crosses the river Thames at Kew Bridge, immediately on the other
side of which is Kew Green (where one should alight for the Herbarium). The taxi will
cost approximately £8.00.
Taxis and minicabs may be organised in advance by contacting the person
responsible for your visit. The cost is approximately £18.00 from Terminals 1, 2 and 3
and £20.00 from Terminal 4. There is often a waiting time and car park charge on top
of the fee. For those looking for a cheaper option, we advise calling a local minicab
(Kew Cars 020 8568 6666) on arrival at the airport.
From Gatwick Airport
A taxi from Gatwick to Kew will cost anything between £45.00 and £65.00, depending
on the waiting time and the car park cost. A pre-booked taxi can also be arranged
to wait in the arrivals area.
There is an express train from Gatwick to Victoria Train Station (£13 one way). At
Victoria, visitors can take the westbound District Line (underground) to Richmond.1
Another option is to take the train from Gatwick to Clapham Junction, and then
change onto a train to Kew Bridge station.
1
Not all District Line trains go to Richmond – check your destination!
2
PARKING
Visitors may use the car park behind the Herbarium. Enter via the main gate off Kew
Green and drive anti-clockwise around the buildings. There is a bicycle shed at the
front of the Herbarium buildings; turn left after entering the gate and it will be on your
left after about 10m.
Finding your way around the Herbarium
The Herbarium building consists of four inter-connecting wings (A, B, C and D) set
around a quadrangle. Wings A, B and C house specimens on all floors. Specimens are
also located in the basement below Wing A (accessible from the stairs in the wing)
and in the Quadrangle Basement (accessible from Wing C ground floor – access with
permission only). The first floor of Wing D houses the library, and the second floor the
monocotyledon and fern collections. The Orchid and Palm herbaria and the Map
Room can be found on the ground floor of Wing D, the Spirit Collection in the
basement and the tea room and Pat Brenan Suite (used for meetings and
presentations) on the top floor.
The temporary reception area is on the ground floor of Hunter House. Enter the main
door and turn right to the reception desk.
Plans of the Herbarium can be found in Annex 3.
Access to the garden
Maps are available at the main gates to the Garden. Herbarium visitors can enter the
garden by turning right out of the main door of Hunter House, walking past the
Joseph Banks Building and turning left.
PUBLIC PAYPHONE
Route to
Car Parks
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3.
Visiting hours and access
Opening hours
The Herbarium is open to visitors between 0900 and 1730 Monday-Thursday and 09001700 on Friday. Long-term visitors may be granted extended access hours where
necessary, and special permission may be arranged to use the herbarium on
Saturdays. The Herbarium is closed to visitors on Sundays and Bank Holidays.
Other collections
A prior and separate appointment is needed to consult the Mycological,
Palynological or Economic Botany Collections.
Signing in and identification passes
On arrival at the Herbarium Reception, visitors must sign the Visitors Book every day.
This is the green book located by the door. An electronic building pass will be issued
to short term visitors every day, and to long-term visitors until they receive their own
access pass. These passes (swipe-cards) are to be worn for identification at all times,
and used for opening the doors to the herbarium and library.
Photographic passes (Access Control Passes) for long-term visitors are issued on
Mondays between 11am and 12 noon at the Constabulary Office, on completion
and authorisation of the application form. These passes provide access to a number
of buildings with automatic security control systems. The passes are programmed to
allow entry at specified times.
Visitors will also receive a white card, to be completed and signed by the supervisor
and Assistant Keeper of the section they are visiting. For short term visitors this card
should be presented every day when collecting a building pass, and the same
applies to long term visitors until they have their own pass. All visitors must keep this
card in their possession throughout the visit.
For those visitors wishing to work on Saturdays, this must be discussed and agreed in
advance with the person responsible for the visit. He/she will complete a form for
authorisation by the Keeper, and a ‘pink card’ will be issued. This card is to be
presented at reception on Saturdays by short-term and long-term visitors alike.
4.
Arrangement of the Herbarium (finding what you need)
Families
The Herbarium is ordered by plant family, arranged around the Bentham and Hooker
system (Genera Plantarum). To find where a family is located, consult one of the
family lists. One of these should be located at the end of each floor of each Wing,
bound in a red hardback cover. This index will give you the family’s number
(corresponding to the numbers on the herbarium cupboard labels) and will also tell
you in which wing/floor you can find it.
Genera
Genera are arranged systematically. At the beginning of each family there is a
numerical index (cabinet usually marked with a red label or with INDEX written on it),
the numbers corresponding to numbers on the cabinet labels.
4
Species
Within each genus, the specimens are divided into 19 numbered geographical
regions. Maps are posted around the Herbarium showing the numbers of each
region. In most cases the species within each region are ordered taxonomically,
following the latest accepted revision. Each species is numbered and an index is
available inside one of the nearby cabinets (location usually noted on the label on
the door). There is often a series of A-z (alphabetically arranged) species at the end
of each geographical region for species not covered by the revision, and an ‘indet’
folder for material not identified to species level. In some cases all the material is
arranged alphabetically.
Carpological/spirit collections and Illustrations
Collections of carpological material and illustrations are stored in the Herbarium in
special cabinets or labelled herbarium cabinets, usually close to the corresponding
herbarium sheets. For access to these collections, please consult the member of staff
responsible for your visit. Spirit material is kept in the Spirit Room (managed by Emma
Tredwell). These anciliary collections are arranged and numbered using the same
system as the herbarium sheets (see above).
Special collections
For access to special collections (e.g. the Wallich Collection), ask the member of staff
responsible for your visit, who will introduce you to the appropriate curator.
5.
Getting help
The first point of reference for help should always be the staff member responsible for
your visit, or other staff designated to assist you. There is always a Senior Duty Officer
(SDO) and a Duty Officer (DO) present in the Herbarium. If necessary they can be
contacted through Reception. For a list of staff responsible for the curation of
particular plant groups or regional floras, ask your Kew contact.
6.
Use of the collections: regulations and specimen handling
Please do not use the Herbarium collections until you have been introduced to the
staff member responsible for your visit and/or another designated staff member. If this
is your first visit, he/she will explain how the Kew system works and offer any necessary
guidance on the correct handling of herbarium specimens:

Always treat the specimens as a priceless scientific and historic resource. Do not
remove anything from the specimens unless you have express permission to do so.

Do not treat a genus cover as a book, flipping the specimens over so that they
are lying face downwards. Specimens should be face-up at all times.

Do not leave unstable stacks of specimens on the tables, and always cover
specimens when not working with them.
Full instructions for handling specimens can be found in Annex 1.
Determinations
As far as possible, all specimens studied should be annotated. Determinavit or
Confirmavit slips, showing determination, signature and date (either printed or legibly
written in permanent ink), should be attached to the sheet, preferably as near to the
bottom right as possible, with the glue provided. Please do not stick determination
5
labels of the ‘self adhesive’ type to herbarium sheets, even if alleged to be of
archival quality.
When specimens of more than one taxon or collection are mounted on one sheet,
separate slips should be provided for each. Except to distinguish the various elements
of such mixtures, no marks should be made on the sheets themselves. Existing labels,
other determinations, notes, etc. must not in any circumstances be removed,
covered or in any way defaced. We provide archive-approved stationery for use on
herbarium specimens. Please do not use ordinary office stationery.
Specimen removal and types
If you notice a previously unrecognised type specimen or you re-determine a
specimen, please draw it to the attention of your staff member responsible (or other
designated staff member). Before removing any such specimens from a species
cover, check that the country of collection is clearly indicated on the specimen.
Once removed from the context of the Herbarium, historical (or classical) specimens
can be difficult to re-incorporate. Please do not attempt to re-arrange the collections
without first consulting your member of staff responsible (or other designated staff
member).
Loans
Please ask for guidance before putting aside any specimens that you wish to have
sent on loan (see Policy for the Loan of Herbarium Specimens – Annex 2). You will be
provided with a loan request form which must be signed on your behalf by the Head
/ Collections Manager of the Recipient Institution and returned to RBG, Kew before
the loan can be processed.
Ancillary collections
Please first ask your staff member responsible (or other designated staff member) if
you wish to consult the carpological or spirit collections. The spirit collection is
normally open until 13.00 each day.
Dissection
The dissection of type material is normally discouraged. However, with permission, the
dissection of reasonable portions of non-type specimens is permitted, providing the
material is adequate. All dissected portions must be placed in a paper capsule and
attached to the herbarium sheet concerned using the archival glue provided.
Microscope slides or other preparations made from material in the collections remain
the property of RBG, Kew and must not be taken away. Microscopes for visitors’ use
can be supplied upon request.
Destructive sampling
The removal of parts of specimens for studies in palynology, anatomy, phytochemistry
etc. (destructive sampling), is not allowed without the specific, prior permission of the
Keeper. Removal of material for DNA extraction is not permitted but aliquots of DNA
extracts may be available from the Jodrell Laboratory provided the specimen is
suitable. A Material Supply Agreement (MSA) is now required for all samples removed
from the Kew Herbarium. Please ask your staff member responsible (or other
designated staff member) for further information.
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7.
Other Herbarium regulations
Quarantine of specimens (incoming material)
On entering the building you must submit any dried specimens (or other materials that
may harbour insects) for deep freezing, whether or not such material has previously
been disinfected. The material will be ready for collection in not less than 72 hours
from the time of placement in the freezer. If you require the material at the start of
your visit, we suggest you send it in advance so that our staff may have it ready for
your arrival. If you wish to do this, please send us a note of dispatch, label the
package “visitor’s own material” and add your name.
Please make sure that any CITES-regulated material brought across international
borders is accompanied by the necessary permits. If the material is coming from a
CITES Scientific Registered Institution, please make sure that the correct labels are
attached.
Smoking
The Herbarium is a strictly no-smoking building, including the terrace outside the tearoom. There is an ash-tray on the porch outside the main reception2.
Food and Drink
The consumption of food and drink is restricted to the tea-room on the top floor of
Wing D. Please do not bring food into the Herbarium, as this encourages pests.
Photography
Visitors wishing to take photographs of specimens must obtain permission to do so. A
lighting stand is available on request. Images of specimens may be used for research.
Permission to use such images for publication must be obtained from the Board of the
Trustees of RBG, Kew.
Basement access
Visitors are requested not to enter the Quadrangle Compactor Store without
permission. This must be reconfirmed with your staff member responsible on a daily
basis.
8.
Refreshments in the Herbarium
The tea room (top floor of Wing D) is available for visitors throughout working hours.
Many staff take a tea or coffee break between 10.30 and 11.30 in the morning, and
between 15.00 and 16.00 in the afternoon.
Mugs for visitors are available immediately to the right of the door. Coffee and tea
are provided on the work surface below the two hot water geysers, and milk in the
refrigerator by the door. Please pay 30p per cup (into the tin provided beside the
tea/coffee) or £2.00 per week. Please wash up and dry your own crockery, cutlery
etc.
This is the reception between Wings C and D. Entrance to the Herbarium is currently (due to
building works) through the main door of Hunter House.
2
7
Sandwiches and filled rolls (approximately £1.60-2.60) are usually available for sale in
the tea-room between 11.00 and 11.15. These should be consumed in the tea-room
or outside the Herbarium. A microwave oven is also provided. There are various food
outlets available in the Garden, the closest being the Orangery Café (sandwiches,
soup, full meals and drinks). For more information, see New Catering at Kew
Gardens.3
9.
Other facilities in the Herbarium
Internet
There are no computers specifically available for visitors. If you wish to use email [via
the Internet] while visiting the Herbarium, please ask the member of staff responsible
for your visit to arrange this. Computers can be logged into with the user identity
‘guest’ (allowing access to an Internet connection), but please do not do so without
authorisation.
Telephone/Fax
If you wish to make external telephone calls, please use the payphone in the Wing D
ground floor corridor. If you need to send a fax, please ask the member of staff
responsible for your visit to help you.
10.
Safety in the Herbarium
If you will be here for more than 3 weeks, please contact the Herbarium Health and
Safety Co-ordinator (Emma Tredwell, x 5203) to arrange a health and safety induction
session.
Emergencies
When you are on-site at Kew, the emergency phone number is 333. Do not dial 999
(the standard UK emergency number) as the calls need to be co-ordinated by onsite constabulary.
Disabilities
If you have a disability that may affect you ability to work safely in the herbarium or to
respond to emergencies such as fire, it is essential that you inform an appropriate
member of staff.
Fire
The signal to evacuate the building is a loud, continuous alarm.
If you see a fire, use a red break-glass button to set off the alarm (these can be found
in most corridors/stairwells). Phone 333 to report the fire. Do not use a fire extinguisher
unless you have been shown how to do so, and then only if the fire is the size of a
waste paper bin or smaller and your escape route is clear.
To minimise fire risk, please turn off all electrical equipment at the socket when not in
use, particularly at night.
3
www.kew.org/visitor/fackew.html
8
EVACUATION PROCEDURE

All staff/visitors/contractors must leave the building as quickly and safely as
possible, following signs to the nearest emergency exit.

Do not use the lifts.

Do not stop to collect bags or coats.

Close windows and doors on the way out, but only if considered safe to do so.

Proceed directly to the Fire Assembly Point at the Banks-building end of the
Herbarium car park.

Remain there, until told (by the SDO/DO) that it is safe to return to the building.

Report any concerns about missing colleagues to the SDO/DO.
Access to cabinets and use of ladders
Some of the herbarium cabinets require ladders to reach the upper shelves. Please
use the ladders provided and do not stand on stools or tables. If you are not
confident about your ability to use the ladders safely, ask a member of staff to help
you.
USING LADDERS

Choose a ladder of an appropriate height for the task (these are variable).

Do not erect ladders close to stairwells or in doorways.

Do not attempt to work with specimens while on a ladder.

Ensure ladder is on an even surface and stable before climbing.

Ensure folding stepladders are properly erected before use. If in doubt, ask.

Do not climb too high (never higher than the 2nd step from the top).
First aid
There is a first aid room on the ground floor of wing D. First aid kits are kept throughout
the building, and each has a list of current first aid staff on it. If you have an accident,
please complete an accident report form (held at reception). Please also report any
near misses, so that accidents can be prevented.
Herbarium specimens
Please be aware that specimens may have been treated with pesticides, and that
these will not always be visible. Always wash your hands after handling specimens, in
particular before eating, drinking and smoking. The plants themselves may also be
dangerous to handle (e.g. toxic, spiny, irritant hairs). Please use gloves if necessary
(available from spirit collection, x 5203).
Spirit collection
Please be aware that all spirit collection specimens are stored in ‘Kew Mix’ that
contains toxic formaldehyde. Specimens must be changed into ‘Copenhagen Mix’
and marked with a green sticker before removal from the spirit collection for study.
Even when in Copenhagen Mix, specimens must be handled with care as the spirit is
highly flammable and contains a small amount (<4%) of methanol (harmful by
inhalation, in contact with skin or if swallowed). For further information, please
contact Emma Tredwell (x 5203).
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11.
Using the library and archives
If you wish to use the Library, you must first be introduced to the Enquiries Librarian. 4
Please note that the Economic Botany Library, in the Jodrell Laboratory, is only open
for consultation at limited times (Wednesday afternoons). The Archives may only be
consulted by appointment with the Archivist. Requests for photocopies must be
handled by the Library; you will be asked to sign a copyright declaration and advised
on costs.
Visiting the library
The library is open to bona fide researchers by appointment. A written application to
visit is usually required and this can be sent via fax, email or letter to the relevant
address above.
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm, Monday-Friday
Conditions for visitors consulting the Library & Archives

Please read these conditions before your visit.
When planning your visit, please consider your personal belongings, as no coats or
bags are allowed in the library, and we have no secure area in which to deposit
them. If you have a mobile phone or other noisy equipment we ask you to turn it off
so that other people are not disturbed.
Please do not bring equipment and materials into the Library & Archives that could
damage the collections, such as fountain pens, bottles of ink, paints, hand-held
electronic scanners, digital cameras, camera flashlights, food and drink. You may use
a laptop computer.
Library & Archives materials are more fragile than they seem, and must be handled
with great care. Turn pages carefully (never use a licked finger!) and use protective
gloves if asked to by library staff. Use book-supports when necessary; books can
break if forced open or forcibly flattened.

Do not write on, mark, alter or re-arrange any items in the Library & Archives
collections without permission from library staff.

Use pencils not pens in the library - ask the duty librarian if you need to borrow a
pencil.

Do not put pads or paper on top of Library & Archives items to write on. Tracing is
not permitted.

Close books or cover items when you have finished consulting them to protect
them from light, which can cause fading, discolouration and photo-degradation.

Visitors may not borrow Library & Archives materials for use away from the library.
More information on visiting the library is available on the Kew website:
www.kew.org/library/using.html
4
10
Photocopying and photography
PHOTOCOPYING
Items from the Library & Archives can usually be photocopied for users provided that
the material will not be damaged and that copying does not infringe copyright. Upto-date details of charges can be obtained from the library staff.
Photocopy request forms are available in the Main Library and in the Archives and
incorporate a copyright declaration that must be signed. Copying will be done as
soon as possible but larger orders may take longer to fulfil.
Photocopying may damage items, thus denying access to the material for future
users. We reserve the right to refuse requests for copying for reasons such as: the
request is in breach of copyright (more than 10% from a book or more than one
article from an issue of a periodical); the item is too large or heavy; the item is too old
(pre-1801); the item is in poor condition; the item is too tightly bound; the request is for
an unreasonable amount of copying.
If you are in any doubt please ask at the Main Library Enquiry Desk or phone 020 8332
5414 or e-mail: library@kew.org
PHOTOGRAPHY
Photographs of Library & Archives materials may be ordered from our Media
Resources department. Permission to reproduce such images must be sought.
The Archives
If you have an enquiry about information we might hold, or know that you would like
to consult items in our Archives, please contact us. Requests to visit should always be
submitted in writing.
The Archives, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AE, UK
Tel: +44 (0)20 8332 5417; Fax: +44 (0)20 8332 5430; Email: archives@kew.org
VISITING THE ARCHIVES
If you need to visit the Archives to consult original material, it is always essential to
make an appointment in advance. We have very limited space for archives readers
and can get booked up a few weeks in advance at busy times, such as university
vacations.
The Archives Room can accommodate one researcher at a time, and is open on
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm. Certain
archive materials can sometimes be consulted at a designated desk in the Main
Library, which is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
When consulting archival material, please take notes in pencil only. Laptop
computers can be used at both desks.
ORDERING COPIES AND PHOTOGRAPHS
We can provide copies of certain materials in the Archives according to copyright
regulations.
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
If you request copies by post, we will send you a request form to complete and
return before we make the copies.

We can also sometimes arrange for our in-house Media Resources section to
photograph items from the Archives.

We are not at present able to supply digital images.
Up-to-date charges are available from Archives staff or the Kew website.
12.
Accommodation in the Kew area
For details of hotels, guest houses etc. in Kew, see www.kewguide.com.
We can often arrange accommodation with local people in their own homes, all
within walking distance of the Gardens. There is tremendous demand for this
accommodation, so it is essential that requests be received as early as possible (with
approximate arrival dates). Type of accommodation and costs vary greatly, but
mostly consist of a furnished room with use of kitchen and bathroom, and a few offer
dinner and breakfast. To obtain the accommodation we operate on as ‘first come
first served’ basis. There are many organisations requiring accommodation in this
area, especially during the summer.
Although we arrange the local accommodation on your behalf, once it has been
agreed upon the final arrangement is between you and the host. This should be
adhered to if possible, and may only be changed in exceptional circumstances. If
you need to change the arrangement you must give the host due notice (i.e. a
week’s rent). If you have any allergies - especially to cats and dogs - it is very
important to state this when you originally request accommodation, and likewise any
special dietary requirements. Smoking is rarely allowed in the accommodation.
Payment will normally be made on a weekly basis, one week in advance (i.e. 2 weeks
at the onset of your stay). Charge varies between GBP £85-120 weekly. To see where
the house is located around Kew, please consult the web site www.streetmap.co.uk by
inserting the address postcode and clicking on search.
Contact: Anne Morley-Smith
General Office, Herbarium (office behind the Reception desk)
Email: a.morley-smith@kew.org
13.
Local facilities
There is a newsagent on Kew Green, selling a limited range of food etc. There are
also various pubs (most of which serve food) and a range of restaurants. 5
More shops (including grocer, chemist, butcher, barber, bookshop, off licence, bank
and post office) can be found outside Kew Gardens station. Richmond town centre
has a wide range of shops catering to all needs. It also has a theatre and a cinema.
The Kew Bookshop, at the Victoria Gate, sells a wide selection of botanical and
horticultural literature.
More information on places to eat and drink is available from
http://www.thefoodplace.co.uk/uk/Surrey/Richmond/
5
12
There are two sports centres with swimming pools nearby: Pools on the Park in
Richmond and the Brentford Fountain Leisure Centre on the far side of Kew Bridge.
For more information on local facilities, see the Kew and Richmond websites below.
14.
Useful websites
Kew information:
www.kewguide.com
Richmond information: www.visitrichmond.co.uk
Visa extension:
www.homeoffice.gov.uk
Rail passes:
www.europeanrailguide.com/railpasses/index.html
Train tickets and times: http://www.thetrainline.com
15.
Useful telephone numbers
Victoria Coach Station
020 7730 3466
European Rail Travel
020 7387 0444
Eurorail:
08705848848
International Rail:
087001201606
Rail Europe:
08705 848848
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Annex 1 – Handling herbarium specimens

Always handle specimens with care.

Hold by both sides.

Keep sheets flat.

Never shuffle specimens – underlying specimens can be cut by the edges of
those on top.

Never align the specimens in a cover by holding it upright and striking one edge
of the cover on the table.

Don’t turn specimens like the pages of a book.

Check that all sheets are aligned before returning to cupboard.

Do not bend specimens to examine them under a stage microscope. Use a long
armed microscope or hand lens

Never rest books, heavy objects or elbows on unprotected specimens.

Place loose fragments in a paper capsule and fasten it to sheet.

Take care to replace genus and species covers in the correct sequence.

Pull forward the genus cover immediately below the covers you are removing so
that they are easy to replace.

Do not force too many specimens into a shelf or box.

Always shut cupboard doors firmly.

Put specimens away as soon as possible.

If specimens are to be left out, always leave them covered.
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Annex 2 – Policy for the loan of herbarium specimens
RBG, Kew is committed to granting access to its collections for research. In order to continue to
service international research within the resources available to us, we have developed this
policy for the loan of herbarium specimens, which we would ask you kindly to consider prior to
requesting a loan of material. Even if well packaged, damage caused to herbarium specimens
in transit can be considerable. We would ask you to bear this in mind and only request what is
strictly necessary for research.
1.
Requests for loans must be made to the Keeper of the Herbarium, RBG, Kew by the head
of a recognised botanical establishment (“Recipient”), who is responsible for the safe
custody and return of the loaned specimens. Requests for loans should state the names of
the researchers on whose behalf they are made by the Recipient, together with the scope
of the work contemplated, and intention of publication.
2.
Specimens are normally sent on loan for a period of six months from the date of receipt.
Where possible, please request material only when the main taxonomic framework is
completed and the loan can be returned to Kew within a short period.
3.
Specimens from separate historic herbaria (e.g. Wallich Herbarium) can under no
circumstances be sent on loan.
4.
Our collections are constantly needed for consultation by our own staff and the many
botanists who visit Kew. For this reason, and also as an insurance against possible loss or
damage in transit, it is our policy not to send on loan at any one time our entire
representation of a group if there is sufficient material to avoid this. Where appropriate, a
second consignment can be sent on return of the first. Requests for all material of a taxon
at one time cannot be met.
5.
Full details of the specimens required (particularly types) should be provided, i.e., currently
accepted name with authority, country of origin and locality, collector’s name and
number. Where synonymy is involved the name(s) under which the type(s) or other material
might be filed must also be indicated. All bibliographic research necessary for the
typification of names must be done by the researcher requiring the loan. Requests for
types or other particular specimens must relate (where possible) to specimens known to be
preserved at Kew. Large lists of types circulated in duplicate to many herbaria cannot be
dealt with unless the specimens particularly required from Kew are indicated. Where
possible we will send material which is not likely to be duplicated elsewhere, while retaining
widely distributed collections at Kew.
6.
Requests for portions (destructive sampling) are covered by a separate policy document ‘Requests for Portions of Specimens from the Kew Herbarium’. Because Kew requires
recipients of portions to sign a Material Supply Agreement such portions are usually
removed at Kew before the material is sent on loan.
7. All Recipients are required to comply with RBG, Kew’s Conditions Governing Loans
from the Herbarium. Upon receipt of loaned material, each Recipient will be
required to sign and return a slip to RBG, Kew indicating the Recipient’s
agreement to these Conditions.
15
Annex 3 – Herbarium plan
PALM
HERBARIUM
FIRE
EXIT
ORCHID
LIBRARY
ORCHID
HERBARIUM
LIBRARY
SERVICES
ROOM
TRAVELS + MAPS
ROOM
D WING
FIRE
EXIT
OLD RECEPTION
FIRE
EXIT
ORNAMENTAL GARDEN
A WING
C WING
B WING
FIRE
EXIT
FIRE
EXIT
KEEPERS
OFFICE
GENTS TOILETS
LADIES TOILETS
DISABLED TOILETS
LIFT
HUNTER HOUSE
TEMPORARY RECEPTION
Ground floor
FIRE
EXIT
ENTRANCE
16
LIBRARY
D WING
A WING
C WING
B WING
GENTS TOILETS
GUILD
ROOM
LADIES TOILETS
LIFT
First floor
CMU
HUNTER HOUSE
D WING
A WING
C WING
SANDS
SUITE
B WING
LADIES TOILETS
LIFT
Second floor
HUNTER HOUSE
17
MOUNTING
ROOM
TEA/RESTROOM
PAT BRENAN
SUITE
D WING
A WING
GENTS TOILETS
LIFT
DISABLED TOILET
Third floor
ARCHIVES
PRESERVATION
UNIT
SPIRIT ROOM
HOIST
LIFT
UP TO
GROUND
FLOOR
TEM SEM
FIRE
EXIT
FIRE
EXIT
D WING
FIRE
FIRE
EXIT
UP TO
1st
FLOOR
EXIT
UP
FIRE
EXIT
FIRE
EXIT
FIRE
EXIT
RAMP
ALL
CABINETS
AT CEILING
HEIGHT
RAMP
Access to quadrangle
compactors only with
permission from staff
C WING
A WING
LIFT
UP
RAMP
RAMP
LIFT
UP
DOWN
FIRE
EXIT
FIRE
EXIT
UP
B WING
FIRE
EXIT
UP
FIRE
EXIT
HOIST
ELECTRICAL
INTAKE
LIFT
NB VISITORS DO NOT
HAVE ACCESS TO
SHADED AREAS
Basement
18
HUNTER HOUSE