We have had our collections database on the web since 1999.  The feedback
we have received has been overwhelmingly positive.  We had some initial
fears that research requests would increase beyond the staff's ability to
handle them but these fears have not come to pass.  In fact many people are
able to conduct their own research without staff involvement.
People do both scholarly research and look at pretty pictures.  Collectors
research our collection for similar items.  Other museum colleagues utilize
the database to search for potential items to borrow.  Descendants browse
items that their ancestors donated.
The only consistent criticism that we have received is that people want
more images.  We have approx. 60,000 records on-line but only approx. 5,000
associated images so far.
Sincerely,
David Ryan
Registrar
Colorado Springs Museum
www.cspm.org

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