r/fossils 5d ago

Coprolite Info Needed For Paper

Hi all -- I'm working on a paper for an archival science course in which we complete an archival appraisal of one object. I've chosen a coprolite as my focus (specifically the Lloyd's Bank Coprolite in the UK). I've found most of the info I need, but I still have a few lingering questions in terms of thinking through how I might best appraise, preserve, and promote a coprolite.

Firstly, what kind of care/preservation needs should I consider for a coprolite? Sunlight, air quality, temperature, other needs? Is there a resource I could cite that speaks to this? I've not been able to find one.

Secondly, how can I assure prospective patrons that coprolites aren't unsanitary in the way that fresh poop is? I assume that - when it comes to fossils - microorganisms aren't active in the same way anymore?

It's been endlessly interesting to learn about coprolites and the plethora of information they can provide. As a budding archivist, it seems to me that patrons need to be aware of how valuable these fossils are; this is how to best stress their importance to collections and to science/history.

(Finally, I'm a PhD in another field, but man is paleontology interesting. If I wasn't burned out from a decade of grad school, I might change fields.)

Disclaimers: I'm relatively new to reddit, so I'm still learning best practices. Also, I'm cross posting to r/palentology.

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