I agree with Ms Emery. Are not we, as archivists, by preserving and storing personal and private correspondence, photos, and documents, doing exactly what some are condemning archaeologists, i.e. ignoring the personal and spiritual nature of artifacts for the benefit of education? In my mind, nothing is sacrificed or diminished by using such things to teach. As an archivist and historical documents editor, I have come across many many letters with very personal thoughts, even a suicide note donated by the survivors of an anguished student who killed himself. All of these are valuable research tools and, assuming they are properly acquired and used (the suicide note can only be seen by students using it exculsively for psychological research), provide valuable information that cannot be otherwise obtained. My two cents. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Andrew S. Richmond P.O. Box 141 Project Director Phone: (614)427-4937 The Papers of Philander Chase Email: Olin and Chalmers Libraries [log in to unmask] Kenyon College Gambier, OH 43022 "This will do!" -Bishop Philander Chase