I have one more element to add to the definition I proposed last week. Reviewing the conversation about the important elements in our re-definition of museums, I appreciate that 'research' is such an important value in the life of museums (and requires continued defence and resources), that we would do well to make sure it is not lost from public consciousness - including all the ethical considerations attaching to standards of scientific research internationally. I would be pleased to include it in the suggestion I made earlier, adding to Gary Edson's current list of options. I am still arguing for a simple-sentence, readable definition for general public understanding, but one that also has intellectual integrity for the diversity of the museum profession today. I would therefore include 'research' towards the end of the statement I propose - NOT near the beginning, as in the various older ICOM definitions (where 'research' seemed straight away to present museums as focused primarily on the activities of the researchers, rather than the public as beneficiaries and social participants in the conservation of cultural and natural heritage). The addition of 'research' would therefore make my suggestion read: "Museums are permanent institutions that conserve and communicate knowledge of the natural world and the cultural inheritance of humanity through collections, records, memories, images, and sites they care for, research and interpret, in public trust, for present and future generations." Bernice Murphy - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Change ICOM-L subscription options, unsubscribe, and search the archives at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/icom-l.html