Re: Just another instance of disingenuous practices by museums.
Excellent comment.
The truth about museums is that they "say" they are in business to collect, preserve and interpret artefacts. But the bottom line is that the people who run them are in business to preserve their jobs. And generally, the unpaid trustees (most museums are charities of one sort or another) don't have the gumption or knowledge to challenge the paid staff ("the professionals").
Even in the good times (definitely not now!) museums have to fight for funds, and so they will adopt any dodgy and underhand practices they can get away with if it brings in the money. A good example would be the National Archive at Kew. Their charges for copies of documents sent in the post are eye-watering. Of course, you can go there in person, get in free, and photo the documents youself. Trouble is that they put every possible hurdle in the way of obtaining good quality copies - poor lighting, no flash allowed, no scanners allowed, documents bundled so they cannot be laid flat (and woe betide anyone who undoes his bundle!).....