Because, at least in history museums, maintaining what amounts to being a
three-dimensional archive is of value. You may not need as many of them, but
the notion that one only preserves to exhibit and exhibits in order to have
visitors is only one dimension of a prototypical  museum's mission. This is
why the AAM won't allow a museum to liquidate a collection to remain open to
the public.
-----

>Why perserve it if there are no visitors?
>
>
>On Fri, 20 Feb 1998, Andrew S. Richmond-The Papers of Philander Chase
wrote:
>
>> I would argue that the primary reason for museums and similar
institutions to
>> exist is to *preserve* its holdings.  If something is not preserved, it
cannot
>> be exhibited or studied.
>>
>> -Andrew
>>
>>
>> -------------------------------------------------------------------------
------
>>
>> Andrew S. Richmond | Proj. Dir. | Editor | The Papers of Philander Chase
|
>> Kenyon College | P.O. Box 141 | Gambier, OH 43022 | Phone: (740)427-5689
|
>> Email: [log in to unmask]
>>
>> Please visit!    http://www.kenyon.edu/khistory/chase/
>>
>>
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>>
>> "His grave will be precious to us.  It will be honored by all generations
in
>> this College and neighborhood."
>>                                 -Bp. Charles P. McIlvaine
>>                                  upon the death of Lorin Andrews
>>
>>
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****
>>