>Eric...I usually quite enjoy your insightful (sometimes sarcastic) ... >"non-professional" request for information. First, the term indoctrination >is an unfortunate one to use for any profession. A sense of professionalism >with fine basic skills and academic background is hardly indoctrination. ... >Jane The term "indoctrination" wasn't introduced into the discussion by Eric Siegel; it was mine. And I said, as near as I can remember, " ... I'm almost tempted to use the word 'indoctrination' " or words to that effect. I was aware of the connotation of the word -- ie. "imbue with a usu. partisan or sectarian opinion, point of view, or principle" (Webster's New Collegiate 1973), usually used in a rather negative way, hence my hesitation. I was afraid that the negative use of the word might be assumed. The primary meaning is still "to instruct esp. in fundamentals or rudiments" -- and that was what I was aiming at, although I might argue that indoctrination into the ways of museum professionalism is not in and of itself negative. Although I feel somewhat guilty for having sparked some irritation, I am not at all sorry I launched the topic. Response has been quite interesting, especially from the point of view of a librarian. Mario Rups [log in to unmask]