5.
The reference collections and library
form the working tools of the museum. They
enable us to produce displays and answer
visitor's enquiries, which range from perhaps
a single caterpillar or fossil that we
usually deal with straight away (as we always
try to do with all enquiries) to the more ex-
tensive enquiry, for example, for aid or
guidance with a student project which may
take a number of days.
The reference collections help field
survey work, where they can be used as a
three-dimensional reference to aid the use
of published identification keys. They are
also a source of distribution data which can
contribute to national and local mapping
schemes.
We also maintain a Biological Data Bank
on sites in the area that we or others have
surveyed. This is still develping as an
important source of information for both the
naturalist and planner.
The school loan collection of mounted
birds, mammals and casts of reptiles and
amphibia can be borrowed for periods of six
weeks by Essex schools. Full details are
obtainable from the Museum.
The library is available for reference
to visitors by appointment (telephone Col-
chester 76071, Ext. 344) and takes, or has
access to, a wide range of local and national
periodicals: including The Essex Naturalist,
The Suffolk Naturalist, Nature in North-East
Essex, Proceedings of the Botanical Society
of the British Isles, The Lichenologist,
Mammal Review, and Oryx, the Journal of the
Fauna Preservation Society.