Playing devil's advocate - If you don't have to put any money into the
collection (except for shelf space, electricity and security) and it is
a collection that your patrons would use, then go for it. Now if you
have to spend money on cataloging - ask for a monetary donation to go
along with the long-term loan.
Also, get the agreement in writing, with multiple contact points, and
options on either side to cancel the agreement.
We have one collection at my place that has been on loan for 20 years.
The "Loaners" give us money to process and catalog it. They have
insured it, and shouldn't hold us liable as long as we stick to the
agreement. Our students use it, we get good publicity, and we don't put
hard cash into.
Some times there are work-arounds.
Gerri Schaad
University of Texas at San Antonio
-----Original Message-----
From: Archives & Archivists [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of Steele, Ginny
Sent: Friday, April 21, 2006 10:45 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Unfettered Access
Simone,
>Placing conditions on a donation is commonplace but indefinitely caring
for a collection we would not own seems like a step in the wrong
direction. Perhaps I am being too cautious.
Your instincts are correct and your professional response entirely
appropriate. Your institution would be taking on permanent liability and
financial responsibility without any guarantee that the collection would
remain with you. Museums and historical societies learned years ago,
much to their enduring regret, how unwise it was to take on long-term
loans. You set a dangerous precedent in place for very limited return. A
gift is a gift. A loan is unreimbursed storage and perpetual care - and
can be an unrelenting nuisance.
Regards,
Ginny
Ginny Steele, MA
The Children's Hospital
1056 E 19th AV Box 080 Denver CO 80218
303.860.4220
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