As regards: " In the limited experiments we have done with public access to collections via computer, the response has been so positive that I am encouraged to think that people do in fact care about the richness of collections and would care more if they knew more. We've had the same experience as the Field regarding the discrepancy between positive response to the experience of collection access and an inability to imagine any benefit in the theoretical environment of a focus group. I'd be very curious to know what others think on the topic." (Deborah Cooper, 11/18/96) It's my observation that when visitors inquire about collections items in historical museums and are provided access, they are enchanted with the opportunity to explore the community's "attic." We could easily spend all our staff time touring the public through our collections, but that would mean we wouldn't get any exhibits done, programs developed, etc. Tours through secure and environmentally controlled spaces run counter to our training on collections management. Open storage or the inclusion of drawers with more artifacts to look at in long term exhibits are the things we're exploring. It seems to me the public views libraries as accessible because they expect to go there and have information provided, but are afraid to ask in museums. We need to be more approachable, perhaps. We're a public (government) facility, so we're particularly concerned about this. Let me tell your focus group about the "neat stuff" we've got in our collections, and they'll see the benefit - I'm inspired, and they can be too. Chris Dill - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - C. L. Dill, Museum Director State Historical Society of North Dakota 612 East Boulevard Bismarck ND 58505-0830 P: (701)328-2666 F: (701)328-3710 E: [log in to unmask] Visit our Web site at: http://www.state.nd.us/hist/ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -