Has anyone questioned these fees as being against the commerce clause? Let's see I think it was an infamous milk case that eliminated these types of fees and then the Supreme court continued to expand coverage...to the point that today any thing can be considered covered by the commerce clause... Personally I think fees like this are just a way to discourage public use of records?? Comments? P.S. Eastman btw from what I understand is connected to Ancestry.com ... making tons of money from their online database...fees that could really help support online research at state archives....:) ********************************* THE COST OF RESEARCH: Burton Historical Collection quiet after access fee for nonresidents goes into effect August 4, 2004 BY SUZETTE HACKNEY FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER The atmosphere Tuesday afternoon was typical for the Detroit Public Library. There was the quiet turning of pages, the whispers among companions and noses buried in books. But one thing was different, especially in the Burton Historical Collection: There were very few patrons. Staffers said the change is clearly linked to the new fees that went into effect Tuesday for nonresident users. Visitors accessing the library's three special collections are charged $10 per day or $100 annually. "There were a lot of people here last week trying to tie up loose ends or take advantage of the collection," said David Poremba, manager of the nationally famous Burton collection. "Today things have slowed down considerably." The fees have angered many longtime users, but there are ways to avoid paying. Anyone can browse the Burton collection, the E. Azalia Hackley Collection of Negro Music, Dance and Drama, and the National Automotive History Collection. Nonresidents must pay only when they want to use the computers or receive detailed assistance or information from a staffer. The Burton is heavily used by genealogists and it has tens of thousands of books, photographs and manuscripts concerning Detroit history. Sandra Bill, 61, a former Royal Oak resident who lives in San Diego, was using 6 hours before her flight to work on her family tree. "They told me I couldn't use the computers unless I paid $100," Bill said. "I assume it's due to budget cuts. But it's disappointing to have resources and people who want to use them but can't touch them." She was able to complete most of her research for free because she knew the collection well enough to navigate through it. The Detroit library joins the growing ranks of institutions that charge for nonresident use. The library has lost about $6 million annually in state funding since 2002. Library officials estimate that 60-75 percent of special-collection users are nonresidents. Connie Porter, 69, a northwest Detroit resident, uses the Burton collection frequently. She became interested in genealogy about 8 years ago, and spends much of her time in the library. Porter said she understands the need for the fees, and is happy that a borrowing fee has not been applied to general circulation books, records and DVDs. She said she has tried to borrow books from the Southfield Library, but was told only residents could do so. "I'm glad I am a Detroit resident because I use it a lot, and enjoy using it," Porter said. "I can't say that I agree with the amount they charge, but maybe there should be a way to charge for the services. The library has been very lenient to nonresidents." Contact SUZETTE HACKNEY at 313-223-4536 or [email protected]