[ Kevin McElhone wrote in 051021 MMDigest:

> Why not donate it to the MBSI Archives?  Then all members could
> access the information in the future.

I would much rather see a collection donated to a public institution.
That way, anyone can access the information, not just members of an
organization.  Allowing broad access to information will do more to
promote the hobby than allowing just a few limited enthusiasts to use
it.

Public libraries are just that -- for the public.  They have
established record-keeping methods and limitations for check-out and
return and can enforce these limitations.  They also have inter-library
loan capabilities, either by sending the actual material or photocopies,
allowing for wider distribution of information.

I am concerned that if an organization is the sole keeper of information,
then access to that information will be limited to members only.  One
of our big concerns is how to get young people interested in the hobby.
If you require someone to join an organization before you share
information with them, you're not exactly putting out the 'Welcome
Mat'.  At least with a public institution, a person can walk into
a library with only curiosity as a prerequisite and learn about
mechanical music, or any other topic, without other demands being put
on them.

Joyce Brite