In terms of archaeological collections, collections-based research is the _only_ justification for the collection and maintainence of archaeological materials. Exhibits are fine for fund-raising and external relations, but without research the objects are meaningless and should remain in archaeological context. Ethnographioc materials are in a similar situation, but the line between ethnography as an academic discipline and craft as a contemporary art form is very blurry. At our institution (Univeristy of Alaska Museum) there is a distinct dichotomy between exhibit of materials as art (upstairs) and collections research and stabilization (downstairs). Us downstairs folks don't get invited to the wine and cheese parties upstairs. Michael A. Lewis University of Alaska Museum Fairbanks, Alaska