Interesting topic, and very timely for us, too.
        At the University of Alaska Museum, I have just last week
developed a policy for access to the computerized data base of
archaeology and ethnology accessions. We do not distribute data
via files on floppy disk. This removes the data from our control
and since, much of tha data involves sensitive issues with regard
 
to repatriation, we cannot allow this kind of distribution.
        However, we do allow access to the database by researchers who
come to the Museum and use the computer systrem here. We have a
terminal dedicated to "public" access, meaning those with
permission from the Archaeology Curator. Access on this terminal
is restricted to non-senstive fields by the internal structure
of the data base. Users of the data base request reports on the
specific records of interest andstaff help search and compile those
reports. The reports can be taken from the Museum in printed or
electronic form.
        In order for a researcher to gain access to the database records,
he/she must sign an agreement acknowledging and agreeing to restrictions
on use and dissemination of the data and absolving the Museum from
any inaccuracies found in the data. We also stress that data within
the database is not primary data and must not be used as a substitute
for examination of the specimans from thecollections.
        So far we've had no probelms with thsi policy. We strive to
make access to thedata base as painless as possible for researchers
at the same time maintaining the control over the data tha we
require.
        Mike Lewis
        Research Assistant
        University of Alaska Museum