The UMMA has over 4000 accessioned collections representing approximately 3 million artifacts. Collections consist of archaeological (fauna, lithics, pottery sherds, soil samples, and botanical materials) and ethnographic materials from around the world. Our largest collections are those from the United States and South Asia; however, other areas well represented include the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. Collections also consist of paper-based field notes, maps, sketches, and photographs documenting archaeological field work.   The role of the Collections Department is to oversee the registration, care, and organization of the collections. The work involves processing new collections, updating catalogue information for older collections, re-housing objects to provide better storage and conditions, and keeping an accurate inventory of the collections.   Access to collections is also coordinated by the Collections Department. Researchers interested in visiting the collections should read the Access to Collections Policy (pdf). Additional information on requests for access to collections, destructive analysis, photographing museum collections, and use of collections in classroom activities can be found in Researcher Resources.    Collections are used by various types of people including researchers interested in a particular study area, students working on school projects, and artists looking at traditional techniques. Because the Museum does not have its own exhibit space, the Museum regularly loans materials to other institutions for exhibit and for study. The Collections Department is responsible for keeping records of all incoming and outgoing loans, packing, and shipping. Please see the Researcher Resources for how to request a loan from the Museum of Anthropology.   The Department also assists the NAGPRA coordinator in scheduling visits to the collections, working on repatriation issues, and facilitating the release of materials from the Museum collections when appropriate.   The Collections Department consists of one full-time collections manager and a part-time photographer. Additional assistance in processing collections, helping researchers, and answering questions is provided by graduate student research assistants, undergraduate work-study employees, and volunteers.