The Dallas Museum of Art Internet public access service (gopher.unt.edu,
menu option 5) averages 9,000 accesses per month.  Using the Internet we
have been able to communicate better with students and educators in the
Dallas-Fort Worth regional area, and provide information about our
collections to people who, because of disabilities, geographical distance,
or other reasons, would otherwise never get a chance to see the DMA.  If
anything, we have found that the Internet increases people's desire to
come to the museum (I have even had several patrons join the museum over
the Internet), and broadens our audience to those people (usu. the
technically inclined) who would not otherwise be interested in the museum,
or the arts.
 
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Kevin J. Comerford                      |   internet: [log in to unmask]
Visual Resource Librarian /             |
Manager of Information Technology       |
Dallas Museum of Art                    | compuserve: 71233,2412
1717 North Harwood                      |      voice: 214-922-1281
Dallas, TX 75201                        |        fax: 214-954-0174
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Disclaimer: Any opinions I express may not be representative of my actual
beliefs or convictions.  --The Management.
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On Thu, 15 Sep 1994, patricia krkland wrote:
 
> As a museum studies graduate student, I find the use of the Internet
> by Museums a controversial subject.  Having spoken with working
> professionals who feel threatened by the "invasion" of the net into
> certain areas, I wonder if this feeling is widespread.  Do people feel
> that the value of their collections is diminished by online exhibits?
> Are these images felt to potentially reduce attendance?
> Is it threatening to allow net access to collections/cataloging
> information?  Are there potential security problems by placing such
> information on the uncontrolled user access Internet?
>
> Any information or references would be appreciated