BUT still there are recordings at the B.L. of traditional singers and musicians that have restricted access to academic researchers only. I HATE that kind of attitude - that we enthusiastic amateurs are not good enough to access material because academia wishes to claim such for itself. And the culprits I'm thinking of are well known collectors and researchers.

I contrast that arrogant attitude with such as Jim Carroll and Pat McKenzie who have uploaded their entire collection of recordings to the web for ALL to enjoy. Thanks Jim & Pat; and everyone else who has done likewise.