private collecting by museum staff

[ghanley@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (guy a hanley)]

I would first like to thank everyone that responded to my inquiries 
about freshwater molluscs and cenozoic gallery displays! the 
information was very helpful

I now am interested in getting some input pertaining to museum or 
research collections professionals building private collections.  does
your particular museum have written policies as to private collecting?
if so, to what extent? are you allowed to collect specimens not 
related to your museum's mission? If your museum has no written 
policy, have directors voiced any guidlines? The information I have 
compiled so far shows that a vast majority of museums either have a 
strong policy against any personal collecting whatsoever, or no set 
policy at all.  I have heard that the Smithsonian has stipulations 
even after employment has ended. I would love to hear from as many 
museums as possible, big or small

This information is going to be used only as a research paper 
pertaining to collections ethics.

Thank you for your time

Guy Hanley