A large number of rock and core samples have been collected at sea by GSO/URI scientists in order to fulfill specific research objectives. GSO staff scientists and visiting investigators generally retain a proprietary interest in material which they have collected on recent cruises. However, most samples are suitable for a variety of research projects which are outside the interests and capabilities of the original collector.

The rapid growth in the size of our collection, along with the increased variety of specialized analytical techniques by which they may be studied, makes it more desirable than ever that we encourage cooperative efforts between institutions. The sample distribution policies outlined on the following pages are intended to encourage effective utilization of the collection, while protecting the interests of scientists already actively engaged in sample-related research.

In some cases, the most effective way to conduct laboratory research on our samples is through a cooperative or collaborative effort with our staff scientists. Many of these arrangements are made during the planning stages of cruises, and may be formally incorporated in our own requests for funding to support the cruise and subsequent laboratory research. Collaborating scientists may participate in cruises and/or laboratory work at GSO as guest investigators, and typically will co-author the results of their investigations with one or more of the staff scientists. In such cases, sample distribution and the division of labor are arranged among the scientists directly involved, subject only to our general policies regarding labelling and archiving of samples.

We also welcome requests for material for museum displays or educational purposes. Each request will be considered on its own merits, but normally such requests will be filled from material which is especially abundant in supply, or from material which for a variety of reasons may be of relatively little intrinsic scientific interest

A. Proprietary Rights of the Collector

1. Access to samples will generally be restricted for a period of three years from the date of termination of the cruise on which the samples were collected, in order that those persons directly involved with the collection of samples will have adequate time to complete their work on the material.

2. Permission for the release of samples during this three-year period will be at the discretion of the scientist responsible for collecting the samples, or some other individual whom he/she may designate to act on their behalf.

3. The initial three-year period for which the samples are restricted can be extended only through coordination of such an extension with the curator.

4. The collector may, with the approval of the curator, impose special conditions on the distribution of samples in order to ensure effective utilization of the material. Such special conditions would include the storage of samples in either refrigerated or frozen space.

B. Procedures for Requesting Samples

1. Requests for samples may be sent directly to the curator of the Marine Geological Samples Laboratory:

Dr. Steven Carey

Graduate School of Oceanography

University of Rhode Island

South Ferry Rd.

Narragansett, R. I. 02882

email: scarey@gsosun1.gso.uri.edu

2. A request for samples should include a brief summary of the type of research to be undertaken, the nature of the laboratory facilities available, and the source of financial support available for the work. The names of associated investigators should be given, and the nature of their research, facilities, and funding should be indicated if different from the applicant.

3. If the material requested is within the three-year period of proprietary access, sample requests will be referred to the appropriate scientists for approval. Otherwise, sample requests will be reviewed by the curator's office.

4. The curator's office, in consultation with the appropriate GSO staff scientist, will advise on the availability of material and on any other conditions that may be appropriate to ensure effective utilization of the material.

C. Responsibilities of Persons Receiving Samples

1. The original, alpha-numeric sample label should be used in published papers, or any departure from this scheme should be clearly equated with the original labelling system in published papers or data summaries. This labelling system will be explained in the information supplied with the samples.

2. Published papers should acknowledge the source of samples and the appropriate grant or funding agency which supported the cruise recovering the samples. This information will be supplied at the time the samples are sent. These papers should also acknowledge the financial support responsible for maintaining the GSO geological samples.

3. Copies of all published papers, reports, or data summaries utilizing GSO samples should be sent to the appropriate GSO staff scientist and the GSO curator.

4. Recipients of samples who co-opt the services of other investigators or undertake research projects which differ substantially from work originally proposed, should fully acknowledge the original collectors.

5. Any unused portions of samples should be returned in a timely fashion to the curator's office.