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[[underlined]] Smithsonian Book Publishing Task Force [[/underlined]]

Mr. Ripley reported that since its inception last September, the Institution's Book Publishing Task Force, headed by James K. Page of the [[underlined]] Smithsonian [[/underlined]] Magazine, has explored various avenues to book publishing for the Smithsonian. A small test mailing of questionnaires to sample the reading habits and subject matter preferences of the National Associates, the prime market for Smithsonian books, met with much enthusiasm, particularly with regard to the prospect for a large format, highly illustrated book about the Institution itself. An up-to-date book on Smithsonian activities has been needed for some time.

Following a review of the Task Force's report in early March 1977, which included the results of the questionnaire and a general outline of the Smithsonian book, it was decided that the Task Force should continue this study effort and that work should proceed on this volume, now entitled [[underlined]] The Smithsonian Experience: Science, History, the Arts and the Treasures of the Nation. [[/underlined]] While work is continuing on the book, the companion effort is to have by the end of June 1977 the results from a direct mail test to some 30,000-40,000 Associates. The test will establish (1) whether the book will be saleable in sufficient quantity to make it financially worthwhile, (2) what is the best price, and (3) how many to print. In addition, the Task Force is examining other avenues of sales, i.e., retail, book clubs, premiums and so forth.