258 ANNUAL REPORT SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, 1963 



division now has 15 members. The total staff has gi'own to about 

 115, and the plant capability and capacity have been almost doubled. 



The acquisition of current research projects and proposals increased 

 sharply from an annual rate of about 56,000 in 1962 to almost 75,000 

 in 1963. The total number of active projects on file has risen from 

 33,000 to almost 58,000. 



Many new research programs have been added, and many new agen- 

 cies, such as the Departments of Agriculture, Conunerce, and Inte- 

 rior, have begun to register their current research activities. All Fed- 

 eral agencies with substantial research programs in basic and applied 

 research are now participating. As the coverage of Federal programs 

 approaches comprehensive proportions, increasing attention is being 

 directed to securing the cooperation of universities, private founda- 

 tions, State and city government research organizations, and indus- 

 trial laboratories. 



The January 10, 1963, report of the President's Scientific Advisory 

 Committee, entitled "Science, Government, and Information," noted 

 the work of the Exchange and recommended its continued activity on 

 a stronger and broader base. The expanded scope in physical sciences 

 and the increasing participation by Federal and non-Government 

 agencies, as noted above, are well underway. 



The Federal Council for Science and Technology has agreed that on 

 July 1, 1963, the National Science Foundation will undertake the re- 

 sponsibility for the support of the Exchange through contractual 

 arrangements for its continued operation by the Smithsonian Institu- 

 tion. Government- wide interests will be served by an advisory board 

 of representatives from each of the participating Federal agencies. 



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 volun- 

 teers of the Junior League of Washington, D.C., who conduct the 

 Junior League Guided Tour Program at the Smithsonian. A more 

 complete report of this activity, directed by G. Carroll Lmdsay, cu- 

 rator, is carried in the Report on the U.S. National Museum 

 (pp. 69-60). 



The Museum Service provided assistance to professional groups 

 and individuals visiting the museums of the Institution 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 uni- 



