We definitely limit photography, but we do still allow it under specific circumstances(only non-flash). Everyone signs a waiver, which clearly states their/our rights. I would prefer a ban, but I am over ruled. Our policy is entirely(95%) for copyright reasons, being the more dangerous of the two for your institution. Camera flashes are certainly intense, and they do contain UV emissions, but they average between 1/100th and 1/1000th of a second of exposure, requiring a hell of a lot of them to combine for a single second of exposure. Standard tungsten photo lamps used by photographers are far worse in terms of all three elements, and neither is worse than a full second of unfiltered direct sunlight. None the less, it is still a good excuse to give to the public. I know there are some statistical and scientific studies out there on this topic, but my searches are coming up empty. Anyone else? Mark Janzen Registrar/Collections Manager Edwin A. Ulrich Museum of Art Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture Collection Wichita State University (316)978-5850 Teresa Whitt <[log in to unmask]> Sent by: Museum To discussion list [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask] cc SE.LSOFT.COM> Subject Re: visitor photography in museums 06/01/2004 04:01 PM Please respond to Museum discussion list <[log in to unmask] SE.LSOFT.COM> I have a general question in response to this thread... are most museums blocking visitor photography for copyright reasons or archival? My museum allows visitors to order and purchase copies of photographs in the collection for specified reasons (i.e. research, etc.), and also allows photocopying of archival material for researchers. I am curious as to the prevalent reasons for limiting photography today... preservation vs. copyright. I am also interested in this subject as my museum is fast-approaching an annual review, and this would be a relevant topic to discuss. Any thoughts are welcome. One final note- the majority of museums I have visited limit or ban the use of photography and/or recording devices. ========================================================= 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). ========================================================= 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).