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The Story of the Stuff: Issues in Temporary Memorial Preservation Main MenuWhat Are Temporary Memorials?A DefinitionThe Problem of Temporary MemorialsEssential Questions to BeginCase StudiesCase Studies IntroductionTexas A&M & the Bonfire Memorabilia CollectionCase StudyVirginia Tech & the April 16th Condolence ArchiveCase StudySandy Hook Elementary & the Story of the StuffCase StudyFurther StudyQuestions & Recommended ReadingsAshley Maynor5adce0171052a8cc24f02b7c0a0c96951154dfb5Self-Reliant Film
Yes, collections should always be available to the public.
12015-09-16T17:17:23-07:00Charlene Kirkpatrickaaff0b465fe57dd3461d61c03aca4d2b6297884460701Striking the Balanceplain2015-09-16T17:17:23-07:00Ashley Maynor5adce0171052a8cc24f02b7c0a0c96951154dfb5Considering the uses a collection by the wider research community is important when deciding how to handle spontaneous shrine materials. However, the wishes and emotions of the affected community must also be taken in to account. If so, for how long (or after how long)? What purpose does a closed collection serve?
The challenge to strike a balance between making the material available to a wide audience while simultaneously respecting the wishes of the affected community is not easily decided. One option to consider is the common archival practice wherein materials are kept in closed stacks for a set amount of time before becoming available to the public at a later date.