Hodcarry wrote:
>
> This strikes me as a very complex question and one that would have
> different aspect depending on if an institution is funded with private or
with public funds.

This is an important point.  For public sector institutions, such as state
museums, most if not all
collections records are defined as public records and limiting access would be
difficult if not
impossible.  On the other hand, state and federal laws protecting the privacy
of the individual
might in some cases prevent release of certain collections information.  This
will undoubtedly vary
from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.  There's no general answer that will serve
in all cases.