Once again the conversation has grown bigger than the question and has taken a slight turn; just like if we were sitting around together with a cup of coffee or over dinner. Sorry to those of you who disagree, but that's one of the things I like about the list. About captions in published works, I agree with David they should include at least the name of the Collection, which is usually the donors name. Before I comment on crediting donors on exhibit labels, I have to agree with Candace that what works for one museum may not for another. I was going to write and agree with Chris, but decided to read on first to see if what I had to say was covered by someone else. It was in a way, but I have a little more to add. It's interesting that some of Lucy's arguments for not crediting donors are reasons I'm now doing it. (see Candace's remark above) In our small local history museum I try to make a temporary display of newly acquired artifacts or the occasional work of art, listing it as a 'Recent Donation' with the name of the donor. While I agree it's not possible nor plausible to list the name of the donor on every object in an exhibit, placing the name on prominent objects (or on a label at the end of the exhibit) or stand alone objects is a nice idea. It makes the donor feel more a part of the Museum, after all it is the community's museum and the locals are the history of the community. It also attracts more artifacts that help us tell the story more completely. I've noticed this in my museum in the 2 1/2 years I've been here. As I learned just Friday, crediting sponsors of exhibits brings more money for exhibits as well. I also agree that the story of a specific artifact is a part of the history of the community. Lucy is right that the story may be too long for a label and may be better placed on a flyer or in a catalog. Crediting the donor is adding just a tiny line to the end of a label. It takes little room, but may make a big difference when trying to collect important objects, and in the pride of their museum by our locals. I know there is a fine line between "kissing-up" (can I say that on this list?) and showing appreciation. I've learned in my career showing appreciation makes a great deal of difference in good will toward the museum. And I've never heard a tourist complain. Jerrie Jerrie Clarke Curator of Collections Valdez Museum http://www.alaska.net/~vldzmuse/index.html _________________________________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com. Share information about yourself, create your own public profile at http://profiles.msn.com. ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . 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).