In general, access to collections for any purpose, even simple curiosity,
UNDER WATCHFUL EYE, seems to be an appropriate policy because  as Claudia
points out, we hold these objects in stewardship for public purposes --
whether we're government-owned or non-profit.  Of course, there are also
commercially operated museums or collections, and I suppose the standard
there is different.
However, the "stewardship" ethic is just that, an ethic.  In a few American
states, indeed the State's attorney has the authority to intervene, most
notably in New York State.
-----Original Message-----
From: Nicholson, Claudia <[log in to unmask]>
  Private non-profit museums in the
>United States do operate for the public benefit, and any restrictions on
>access to the collection (which we hold in trust for ALL citizens) can fall
>under the scrutiny of the state attorney general.

=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://museums.state.nm.us/nmmnh/museum-l.html. You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to
[log in to unmask] The body of the message should read "Signoff
Museum-L" (without the quotes).