The web has flourished because there is...or at least there is perceived
to be...a great appetite for information in this format.  Whether you
consider it a kind of marketing brochure, or guide to permanent
collections, or calendar of events, it is a vehicle for information.

 While many are looking for ways to profit from it, the web's growth is
due mostly to companies and organizations donating their staff time and
budget to putting information out there.  And like it or not, there will
always be people who cannot travel to major museums and will be
exposed to museum information (whether a science "exhibit" or a
painting) through the web--just as they are now exposed to this
information through books or videos.  All the more reason to ensure the
information  provided is accurate and enlightening.  In this sense,
museums can reach beyond their local audience, and do so with more
control over content.