Not to simplify things too much, but I would say the question is; are
you holding onto these blocks for the information they contain, or for
the technology/history they represent?  If for the information, then you
might (and that's a big "might") be able to justify putting them with
the archives.  Otherwise, I would see them as production artifacts, the
same as a shoemaker's lasts, a carpenter's planes, or a blacksmith's
anvil, and properly belonging with the museum collection.  Now, the
books themselves I would see as archival, but not the tools with which
they were made.

Sorry! (after all, I'm sure most of us have a few collections we'd like
to see go somewhere else...)



------------------------------------------------------------
Tim McShane, Assistant--Cultural History
Medicine Hat Museum and Art Gallery
1302 Bomford Crescent S.W.
Medicine Hat, AB   T1A 5E6
(403) 502-8587

>>> [log in to unmask] 11/05/03 07:57AM >>>
We have a mulitude (and that's putting it lightly) of printing blocks
that
were used to print 19th and 20th century books used by the religious
group
we interpret.
We realize we just have to deal with them, but here's the
question...should
they fall into the library/archives/special collections domain or into
the
museum?  Either the archivist or myself will have to find space for
them.
Any ideas as to who should have the privilege?
Candace Perry
(who would rather ignore the printing blocks)
Curator
Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center

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