SECRETARY'S REPORT 219 



logical research and in limited aspects of research in the social 

 sciences. Through an extensive system of subject indexing, these 

 abstracts are provided upon request and without charge to research 

 institutions. For granting agencies and properly constituted com- 

 mittees it prepares extensive surveys of research in broad areas. 



In September 1960 the Governing Board of the Bio-Sciences Infor- 

 mation Exchange (the name of the agency as originally organized in 

 1950) was reconstituted as the Governing Board, Science Information 

 Exchange, to reflect the inclusion of the physical sciences in the scope 

 of the operation. Dr. Orr E. Reynolds, of the Department of Defense, 

 was elected chairman. An ad hoc committee for the physical sciences 

 was established under the chairaianship of Dr. Urner Liddel, and 

 reciTiitment for professional staff in the physical sciences began. 



The volume of registration and of use of the Exchange in the field 

 of the life sciences has continued to grow, and it is believed that 

 similar volume and use for the physical sciences will develop. It is 

 expected that the actual scope of coverage and service, by subject 

 matter and by types of research projects, will evolve and expand 

 gradually. 



A systems survey by Booz, Allen, and Hamilton was begim in No- 

 vember 1960 and completed in May 1961. Consultant services by the 

 Computer Usage Corporation have assisted in the orderly conversion 

 to magnetic tape and in formulating plans for expanded activities. 



An associate director for the life sciences, Dr. David Hersey, was 

 selected but will not enter on duty until the next fiscal year. 



SMITHSONIAN MUSEUM SERVICE 



The Smithsonian Museum Service, through appropriate educational 

 media, interprets to museum visitors and to the general public the 

 objects, specimens, and exhibits in the several Smithsonian museums 

 and develops interpretative and educational material relating to the 

 work of the Institution in the fields of science, natural history, art, 

 and history. The Museum Service also cooperates with the volunteer 

 docents of the Junior League of Washington, D.C. A more complete 

 report of this activity, directed by G. Carroll Lindsay, curator, is 

 carried in the Eeport of the United States National Museum. 



The Museum Service provided assistance to professional and sub- 

 professional groups and individuals visiting the museums of the In- 

 stitution or planning to do so. Assistance in the form of lectures, 

 answers to inquiries, and special tours of certain museum areas was 

 rendered to college and university groups visiting the Institution and 

 to other groups and individuals from the United States and abroad, 

 %dsiting or planning to visit the Smithsonian in a professional capac- 

 ity. Arrangements were made through the IMuseum Service for 

 Smithsonian participation in the Workshop on Community Resources 



