Sample Distribution Policy

OSU Marine Geology Repository

Table of contents

• Introduction
• Available Information
• Requests
• Processing of Sample Requests
• Responsibilities of Persons Receiving Samples
• Who to contact

Introduction

Available Information

Requests

• Initial Statement of Proposed Research. Investigators should submit a letter (paper or electronic mail) to request samples. Each request should include a short outline of the intended studies, methods, objectives and names and addresses of collaborating investigators. Subsequent sample requests during the same investigation should include an additional statement describing progress of the study and stating the need for additional material. Student requests should be submitted through their academic advisor.
• Sample Location and Position. Please specify the ship, cruise number, geographic area, core or dredge number, and sample depth in core. Give alternative cores or dredges, and sampling intervals in cores whenever possible. Since surface sediment material is asked for most frequently, many cores no longer have available surface material. Subsurface samples are usually available.
• Number of Samples. Initial requests should be considered a survey to determine if more samples will be required later. Large requests require justification.
• Size of Samples. Indicate the minimum sample weight or volume needed. The usual sample size for sediment cores is about 5 cc (about 8-12 grams, depending upon sediment type, or an approximately 1.0 cm thick quarter section of split core). Larger sample volumes must be justified. Samples from core tops are often restricted to 1 cc (2 gram). Larger sample volumes may be available from box cores, kasten cores or large diameter gravity cores.
• Teaching and Museum Collections. Small samples for displays may be available, within the constraints of scientific research priorities.

Processing of Sample Requests

• Approval of Request. Sample requests are forwarded to the curators for approval. In cases of conflict of interest, uninvolved faculty are consulted. Principal investigators who obtained materials are consulted if they are still studying requested materials. Conflicts between different investigators requesting the same samples for the same purpose are mediated and resolved by consultation.
• Sampling. The staff of the OSU Respository will do the sampling or you may do it yourself under their supervision. Please contact the core curator to schedule sampling visits. There is space for sampling, but laboratory space for sample preparation is minimal.
• Sample shipment. Samples are normally shipped within two or three weeks after approval.

Responsibilities of Persons Receiving Samples

• Acknowledgement of Samples Received. Upon receipt of your samples, please acknowledge receipt by email so that we know the samples arrived safely.
• Citation. We ask that you acknowledge the OSU Collection in all publications resulting from use of our samples. Grant numbers are included with your shipment of samples. Please retain our sample identifications in published reports, or provide a clear correspondence between our system and yours.
• Copies of Published Reports. One copy of all published reports, reprints, or data where OSU samples have been used should be sent to the Curatorial Office (address below) for inclusion in the OSU library.
• Charges for Material and Data. No charges for samples and/or data from the OSU Facility apply to research and education programs. Charges for special services or materials are calculated to cover costs.

Who to contact

E-mail: mix@coas.oregonstate.edu