Most workers wishing to prepare material for microscopy will study a limited range of organisms, and already be familiar with raising, culturing or collecting the species in question because of their research interests or adopted field of study. For those new to microscopy who have not yet defined a field of interest, it is suggested that they read a practical introductory text such as that of Grave (1991).

The diversify and abundance of animal, plant and microbial life available for collection means that gathering material can be a relatively simple task. Nevertheless, a methodical approach ensures that specimens are less likely to suffer damage and full details of their natural habitat are known, which will place any serious study into scientific context.