Hands-on Loan Program

A list of Hands-on Loan materials is available from: Hands-on Loans, Sheldon Jackson Museum, 104 College Drive, Sitka, AK 99835. A database of hands-on loan materials is available. Select "create an account" and begin searching for educational materials. Login using your password during future visits. For information call 907.747.8981 or fax 907.747.3004.

Hands On Loan Borrower Policy

The Alaska State Museums' hands-on collection is a special collection apart from the museums' permanent collections.

As part of Alaska State Museums’ outreach to students in rural areas across the state, the Sheldon Jackson Museum maintains a hands-on object loan program for schools, libraries, and museums in Alaska. There is no charge for the service except for shipping.

Borrowers integrate the objects into their curriculum or program in the variety of ways. The objects are used in classroom exhibits, as models for students to create their own reproductions, or as inspiration for creative writing, drawing, or drama. Students often use the objects as primary research material for written reports and oral presentations. Student teachers find hand-on objects useful for developing lesson plans or learning centers. Other museums borrow objects from the hands-on loan collections to incorporate into their local school programs.

We encourage teachers to complete the “Feedback & Curriculum Ideas” section located under “object detail” describing how they used the objects they borrowed. If a teacher allows the response to be viewable to others, it provides the opportunity for exchange of ideas statewide. For example, a teacher on the North Slope would be able to provide ideas, suggestions, and lesson plans on Inupiaq cultures to a teacher in Southeast Alaska. This is an excellent way for teachers to network and share information. Please be sure to complete the “Feedback & Curriculum Ideas” section.

Hands-on objects are loaned along with background information and reference materials. Loans can be made for up to one month at a time. Reservations are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no charge for the service except for shipping.

Who May Borrow Objects

This collection is available for use by Alaska teachers, students, librarians, home schoolers, and museums. Objects will not be shipped out-of-state.

Duration of Loans

Loan items may be reserved for a full two weeks of use. (An additional two weeks are factored in for shipping and handling; consequently, objects are often out of the Museum for up to a month.) Special arrangements for longer loans can be made during the summer months when requests are at a minimum, or loans may be extended under certain circumstances and if no other requests are pending.

Number of Objects per Loan

A borrower may borrow up to twelve hands-on objects.

Borrower Responsibilities

The borrower is responsible for submitting the loan request electronically. The Museum staff may substitute similar items if a request is out or reserved. Hand-returned loans are to be IN the museum by the day indicated on the loan form. Many items are in high demand and to get them to the next borrower in a timely manner, they must be returned at the designated time. If mailed returns are not postmarked on or before the date stated on the loan form, or are not brought to the museum by the borrower on that day, a $3.00 per day late fee will be charged. If payment is not made, the museum reserves the right to deny further loans to that institution or individual for one year. The person or persons using the Hands-on items is responsible for proper handling and care of the objects. Objects are to be returned in the condition they are loaned. However, if damage occurs, the borrower is asked to include a cover letter or speak with museum staff alerting them to the damage so that appropriate repairs can be made.

Fees and Shipping

There are no fees for this service; however if the materials must be mailed, the borrower is responsible for the return shipping costs. The borrower should return the hands-on loan materials in the original shipping box with the same insurance coverage and shipping and handling specifications used (or requested) by the museum.

Credit line

Users are requested to publicly acknowledge the Alaska State Museums’ Hands-on Loan program. When the objects are introduced to a class, the museums’ program should be mentioned. If exhibited, a label stating that the pieces are from the Alaska State Museums’ Hands-on Loan program should be included.

Last updated September 16, 2009