In response to Matthew Caulfield's post of October 19, 2005,

I whole-heartedly agree with his view that the collection, cataloging

and preservation of literature, ephemera and paper items related to

mechanical music and automata is crucial to the hobby.



As a past president of the MBSI, long time collector of mechanical

music and literature related to that area, I am only too well aware of

the difficulties and concerns that relate to maintaining and disposing of

a collection of such literature and emphera.  Dick Howe's collection

at the University of Maryland (at least as to the mechanical music

portion) has yet to be substantially catalogued and viewing the

mechanical music portion of the collection is problematic for research

purposes, if not exceedingly difficult.



Of the three largest collections of mechanical music literature and

ephemera existing in the world today, The Ord-Hume Library of Mechanical

Music and related subjects, located in Surrey, England, is the largest

and most comprehensive.  Obtaining research from this resource is through

its director, Arthur W.J.G. Ord-Hume, who personally administers all

research requests.  In accordance with long-established arrangements,

the Ord-Hume Library will ultimately pass to the Nationaal Museum van

Speelklok tot Pierement, in Utrecht, Netherlands.



The Howe Collection will remain at the University of Maryland and it is

hoped that appropriate steps will be taken to permit those interested

in mechanical music to have the opportunity to use and enjoy the

collection.



My collection, comprising some 3500 items including literature from

1589-2005 covering musical boxes, organs, automata and other forms of

mechanical music, is the third largest and the only one of the three

not either currently or in the future committed to institutional

control.



I have given a great amount of thought as to the disposition of my

library of mechanical music and must express great concern that

currently there does not exist an appropriate situation into which

I would place the collection.  Like most collectors of this type of

material, I would like the collection kept intact, catalogued and

made available.



I invite suggestions from the MMD community on this topic and any

practical advice they wish to provide.



Kevin Kline



 [ I have vivid memories of Dr. Jan Jaap Haspels, with his boundless

 [ enthusiasm, and the dedicated resident staff and volunteers of

 [ the Nationaal Museum.  It seems to be an institution that will

 [ (1) competently maintain a donated library and (2) willingly

 [ allow and encourage historians and researchers to gain access

 [ to the library.  -- Robbie