[NHCOLL-L:1911] RE: Loans

[Panza, Robin]

>>>Finally, the purpose of holding collections is so that they can be used
for educational (exhibits and programs) and/or research purposes.  Doesn't
charging steep fees or not providing loans at all defeat the purpose for
holding collections?  <<<

I'm not saying I agree with the policies of those museums that charge, but
wish to point out this is a non-sequitur.  Not sending specimens is not the
same as not allowing research on them.  Visits to the museum accomplish
that.  Granted, some museums (not necessarily the same ones) charge 'bench
fees' for visiting.  Then there are the people within those museums, who do
research on those specimens, so they're not exactly going to waste!

The ugly fact of the matter is that it costs a museum to host a visiting
scientist, and it costs to package and mail specimens.  Doctors, lawyers,
mechanics, and just about any other businessmen all charge for their
time--shouldn't museums?  Would you expect a consultation to be free, if it
were with anybody but a museum scientist?  Other non-profit organizations
charge for their services, to stay afloat--why shouldn't museums?  

Some museums don't charge other museums for research specimens, expecting
reciprocation.  However, an exhibit is put up in order to attract
visitors--to make money.  Is it wrong to charge for the use of one's
specimens when they're used for a commercial purpose, even if it's by
another museum?  If a museum constructs a travelling exhibit, other museums
will be charged for bringing it to their venue--is this qualitively
different than charging to bring some specimens for an exhibit?

As I said, I'm not advocating charges.  I also agree that the magnitude of
charges (if charges there must be) should be made appropriate.  I'm simply
pointing out some questions each of us should ponder these days.

Robin K Panza
Section of Birds, Carnegie Museum of Natural History
4400 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh  PA  15213  USA
phone:  412-622-3255;    fax:  412-622-8837
panzar at carnegiemuseums.org