The Story of the Stuff: Issues in Temporary Memorial Preservation

Yes, collections should always be available to the public.

Considering 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.


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