On Fri, 26 Feb 1999 11:21:54 -0600 "Nicholson, Claudia" <[log in to unmask]> writes: >Simon asked hypothetically: > >> The ICOM code of ethics states that it is highly unethical for >> museums to obtain or use illicit materials in a collection. But what >> should be done if the only examples of a valuable artefact needed >for a certain collection are of dubious origins? ....... >> >I have waited to for someone else to answer, and am disappointed that >no one really responded thoughtfully.....if the valuable artifact has "dubious origins" it is the museum's duty and responsibility to pass on it?....Maybe an example would be helpful. Indeed an example would be helpful. Let's see, hummm. Maybe the Linda Tripp taping of Monica Lewinsky might be deemed illicit? Would the Clinton Presidential Papers encompass it? What if illicit material came to you in such a fashion and there's just no way you can "pass on it.?" I assume ICOM is talking about items that somehow violated export laws, cultural patrimony, or were in very bad taste. We've got the "Smoking Gun" tape for people to listen to here at the Nixon Library; its initial taping was seen as "personal" by the maker. Then the media and the politicos called it illicit. So when does something become illicit? O Olivia S. Anastasiadis, Curator Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace 18001 Yorba Linda Boulevard Yorba Linda, CA 92886 (714) 993-5075 ext. 224; fax (714) 528-0544; e-mail: [log in to unmask] ___________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com/getjuno.html or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]