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tion services,...developing, 
computer-based instructional 
approaches to effective user 
tional computing activities. 
testing and 
systems and 
integration 
w 
evaluating specialized 
materials,...innovative 
of research and educa- 
It is apparent from this series of abstracted statements 
that NSF is working along the same lines as long since visualized 
as profitable by MUDPIE participants. I have, therefore, prepared 
a statement of what MUDPIE is all about, and have submitted it 
along with other pertinent materials to the Foundation, as a 
preliminary statement of interest. If the Foundation indicates 
a wish to explore further with us, we should be prepared to do 
so. Some of you have been associated with MUDPIE since its in¬ 
ception, and I know your interests, activities, and areas within 
which you would be willing to participate. Others among you 
have done little more than to ask to be put on the list for the 
newsletter, and I cannot say very much about your interests. 
Since we are now embarking on what might be the first steps to¬ 
ward implementation of a functioning network, I need to know what 
each of you might be willing to do in the way of participation. 
If you are already using time-shared computing, this might be 
a simple matter of indicating a willingness to switch to a mutual 
contractor so the network could immediately become a reality. 
If you are currently doing nothing, because your institution 
cannot afford a teletype connection for you, how much would you 
need to take this first step, if some help were forthcoming? 
If you are already well involved in time-sharing, are you inter¬ 
ested in some kind of supervisory role in a planned network, to 
aid in development and growth (a MUDPIE Council?). 
All of this should in no way interfere with the direct, 
individual participation of anyone in the proposed NSF program. 
I would like to know about other projects that will be suggested 
to NSF and submitted for support, and I will be glad to have 
information for future MUDPIES concerning such projects. Keep 
in mind that MUDPIE now has about 300 readers, among whom may 
be several who might be of value in any project.—JAP 
MUSEUM AND UNIVERSITY DATA, PROGRAM AND INFORMATION EXCHANGE 
The Museum and University Data, Program 
change had its origin in 1967, as a result of 
at several institutions in the use of time-sh 
museum research and in the potential for deve 
museum network for sharing information. The 
attention has been on work in systematic and 
but much of the work done to date has had wid 
throughout biological research, and interest 
(hereafter referred to as "MUDPIE") has been 
nal emphasis has been widened to include asso 
investigation such as ecology. 
and Information Ex- 
the growing interest 
ared computers in 
lopment of an inter¬ 
primary focus of 
taxonomic biology, 
espread application 
in the exchange 
such that the origi- 
ciated areas of 
