I have to agree with Dean De Bolt. Trying to second guess ourselves without an established policy is paranoia. If one works in a special collections, the repository's collection policy and donor agreements should dictate access. If one works in a government archives, state public records statutes and retention schedules should determine access. At the City of Portland, we maintain plans, as-builts, specifications, and architectural drawings of city owned structures. ORS 192 (Oregon's public records law) does not exempt these records from public access. I have no legal right to require permission from the creating agency before providing access to the records. I also believe archivists trend on shaky ground when they restrict access to records without a clear policy or because of some vague suspicion. I see no reason why we should fall victim to the inflamatory rhetoric certain political demogogues are now using to their advantage. Marcus C. Robbins, CA Archivist City of Portland [log in to unmask] (503) 823-4631