I would debate the original contention that museums *are*
          far behind. In what other public arena do you see so much
          computer-y type stuff as you might at the Natural History
          Museum in NYC? Similarly, for sure, with the NY Hall of
          Science. Art museums seem to be testing the waters pretty
          actively as well, though not so much here in NYC.
 
          There are rationales that are easy to defend about avoiding
          the digitization of museums as well, as we all have some
          allegiance to the primacy of objects themselves (don't we?),
          and are leery of the possibility that the digital
          reproduction will usurp that primacy. Witness Bill Gate's
          ridiculous digital art gallery at his house. Sheeesshh,
          makes me want to try OS/2...
 
          Eric Siegel
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