Further to Alex's point, realize also that by providing free storage while
allowing the "lender" to keep legal possession, you are also in effect
increasing the value of the collection through having it in the museum (ie.
making it a "museum object" with the associated value of such distinction),
not to mention what you do for them when you exhibit it, or parts of it.
Every museum has experienced this dilemma with older, improperly-received
acquisitions. It's a cautionary tale for any new museum, or museum
considering an accessions policy. Don't accept long-term loans!
Jane Sproull Thomson