This paper discusses the lending of works of art by museums. The processing of loan requests is described, including the factors to be considered in making the decision to lend or not. The importance of having an institutional Loan Policy is stressed. The roles and responsibilities of the courier, selected to accompany the work of art in its travels, are outlined. The author then addresses the question of whether it is possible to anticipate the needs related to future lending of a work of art, from the time of considering a work for acquisition by the museum. The importance of preventive measures in relation to loan requests is discussed.