I'm not sure that I understand why it is "unethical to take in material [as
a potential donation] without a prior external valuation by the donor " but
I am sure that it is not a question of not accepting only valuable items.

As a national museum, if we borrow material which can be used to the
public's benefit (for study, copying/microfilming, exhibition or as a
long-term loan) we can apply for a Government Indemnity on behalf of the
owner - rather like taking out insurance. This obviously demands a valuation
but, as I understand it, the owner does not have to spend money on a
professional valuation unless we cannot agree with his/her own figure. If
the owner is willing to donate it there is less need to arrange formal cover
unless it will take some time for the transfer of title to be effected.

Ethically we should be aware of the value of any material which comes into
our care (although I take Bruce's points) but I would query the need for an
external valuation in every case.

Could I also make an observation about another aspect of the perceived
culture clash between museums, archives and libraries (I have a foot in each
of the first two camps, and keep an ear to the ground in the third, which
makes me something of a contortionist!) namely training?

We are currently hosting a recently-qualified intern from Canada, through a
scheme run by the Canadian Museums Association: her Museums Studies course
at Algonquin College included a module on archives in museums. On the other
hand, two of my staff have just completed the UCL Museums Studies MA, which
seems to have totally ignored the facts that (a) archives need different
skills and handling and (b) UCL has staff qualified to teach these. Is
anyone aware of a Museums Studies course in the UK which does have an
archive input, and has the Standing Conference on Archives and Museums
raised this point with UCL, Leicester University and similar institutions
running museums-related courses?

Peter Elliott
Senior Keeper
Department of Research & Information Services
Royal Air Force Museum
Hendon
London
NW9 5LL
Tel: 020-8205-2266 Ext. 250
Fax: 020-8200-1751



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