NHLR is interesting in saving the following items that contain information about or are associated with Natural History:
Books
Scientific and popular, even children’s books.
Reprint Collections
Many researchers or enthusiasts create personal libraries, collections of reprints, offprints, photocopies, etc. Ideally, a reprint collection should be retained intact. The creator of the collection considered the saved items valuable and so may others.
Personal Communications, Notes, Notebooks, Records, Photographs (including slides)
Many researchers or enthusiasts keep field notebooks, lab notebooks, loan paperwork, written communication with others (snail mail!), and other various personal records. Notes from college classes taken long ago are very welcome. Photographs in any format are always important. These may be invaluable to future investigators trying to solve a minor mystery or may offer insights into times long past.
Journals, Newsletters, etc.
Journals are pretty obvious, but many smaller societies had short newsletters that are easily overlooked, for example, Perla a ~20-page newsletter about Plecoptera dates back to the 1970s. Some journals and magazines (Science, National Geographic) are so popular and voluminous that we may not accept recent volumes. Ask before you toss!
Ephemera
Short lived items such as catalogs, advertisements, maps, handouts, memorabilia, promotional items, etc. These are often thrown away quickly but can be of interest. Older catalogs show devices or tools that may have gone by the wayside but are still of use—the new generation can rediscover lost things!
Specimens, Samples
Specimens and samples are VERY important. We will work with you to find a home for these items. Some researchers or enthusiasts borrow items from museums (loans) and these will be welcomed with open arms when returned.
Equipment, Supplies
Specialized equipment used for Natural History study or research shouldn’t be discarded. This may include hand tools, forceps, drawing equipment, dissection equipment, microscopes, measuring devices of many kinds, etc. We will help to find homes for equipment and supplies.
Teaching Materials
Materials used when teaching such as books, notes, handouts, notebooks, games, etc. are valuable can provide inspiration to future teachers.
Other
Ask before you toss!
Gift acceptance policy
The purpose of Natural History Literature Rescue is to preserve literature, specimens, samples, equipment, supplies, memorabilia, and ephemera associated with the study of natural history that would otherwise be destroyed or lost if not maintained.
Donations of any of the above items are appreciated but are not considered a gift. For tax purposes the donor is responsible for obtaining an independent qualified appraisal as defined by IRS regulations.
A gift to NHLR consists of funds, services, etc. that facilitate the purpose of NHLR. Gifts other than unrestricted cash gifts should be proposed in writing to the Board of Directors.
Donors will remain anonymous unless permission is obtained directly from the donor.
NHLR will refuse gifts that violate local, state, or federal laws. NHRL will comply to legal requirements and legally authorized or enforceable requests for information by government agencies and courts.