This museum does not grant people the right to use images of items in its collection in online publications. We are obliged to do everything in our power to ensure the continued appeal of visiting our collection in person.
The conclusion above depends on assuming which one of the following?
(A) Taking photographs of art objects, especially using a flash, can damage the objects by accelerating the fading of paint.
(B) The museum sells pictures of its collection in its gift shop, which is an important source of income for the museum.
(C) Images placed online are easily copied and reused by other people.
(D) The quality of most electronic images, especially those online, falls short of the professional standards of the museum.
(E) If people see online images of items in the museum’s collection, they will no longer be interested in seeing the collection with their own eyes.
E. If people see online images of items in the museum’s collection, they will no longer be interested in seeing the collection with their own eyes.
The argument seems to assume that if people see the images online, they won’t have any interest in visiting in person. Choice (A) isn’t the point because the author of the argument isn’t worried about damaging the images. Choice (B) doesn’t work because the author doesn’t mention a concern for decreased revenue. Choice (C) likely isn’t the author’s concern. He isn’t specifically worried about the extent of online distribution but rather its effect. Check the remaining answers to see whether you have a better option. Choice (D) isn’t his concern, either, because he doesn’t mention quality issues. Choice (E) is the best answer. The author is worried that online publication of the images will remove the incentive to visit the actual museum in person.