access to archives

[Stephen Burge Johnson]

Kathy,

It looks like you have more than enough of an answer to your query.
But I'll add mine.

I've researched in a variety of institutions in a variety of
countries--I won't wax nostalgic by listing them.  I have never been
charged.  Ever.

I only know of one instance of a collection that charges for use now,
that did not when I used it.  The Theatre Collection at the Museum of the
City of New York--a place that holds a special personal        interest
for me--began charging for use some years ago, at the same time as it cut
its more knowledgeable staff.  I believe that collection is now
effectively cut off as a source of research.  No one uses it.  No one
knows its condition, or how to find the valuable materials I once used.

The lesson in that small note is that we should not think fees are
charged to help keep the archive in good physical condition, and
well-organized.  On the contrary.

Stephen



-------------------------
Stephen Johnson   School of Art, Drama and Music
McMaster University   Hamilton   Ontario   CANADA   L8S 4M2
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