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[[underlined]] Contemplated Transfer of International Exchange Service Functions [[/underlined]]

The Smithsonian's International Exchange Service (IES) is the official U.S. bureau responsible for distributing U.S. Government publications to foreign governments. In return, these governments agree to send IES similar publications for delivery to the Library of Congress. The implementing legislation for this responsibility is contained in 44 U.S.C. 1719. In addition to this statutory responsibility, the IES also distributes scientific and literary publications among learned institutions throughout the world.

Recently, the Deputy Librarian of Congress wrote to the Smithsonian Institution suggesting that it would be more efficient if the Government Printing Office distributed the U.S. Government publications that IES disseminates. The Deputy Librarian stated that the GPO Depository Library Program, which already serves some 1,200 domestic libraries, could easily accommodate the addition of 100 foreign addresses to the system. Discussions are now being held with officials of the Library of Congress and GPO to consider this proposal and to work out the details of the possible transfer.

At the same time, Smithsonian staff is reviewing the feasibility of discontinuing the distribution by IES of scientific and literary publications among learned institutions. Our review to date has disclosed that the continuation of this service by IES might not be efficient. We have sent a questionnaire to the 200 learned institutions that use the IES to obtain their views on this matter prior to our reaching a position.