The repository at NPL has been active for well over 100 years, has integrated at least 8 different collections under one roof, sent out loaned specimens to every corner of the globe and has had every cataloging system from dip-pen written ledgers to state of the art networked databases. With such a rich history, things are bound to get misplaced from time to time. Oftentimes, it is as innocent as a specimen getting jostled out of its tray and landing in its neighbors. Missing specimens can also be a case of someone not putting a specimen moved label in the drawer, or taking a loan label away prematurely.
When you find yourself in need of one of these labels, the collection manager or project lead will show you where the blank labels are kept. These labels will always be filled out by hand, and it is crucial to fill out all the fields.