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[[underlined]]Diffusion of Knowledge Through Education Programs[[/underlined]]

The other category of activity is for the diffusion of knowledge by means of improved and expanded educational outreach. While the Smithsonian magazine, traveling exhibitions, publications, and other products and services are making important contributions to the disemination of information concerning man's natural environment and his cultural and technological achievements, more needs to be done. The Institution is particularly well equipped to do more, drawing upon its collection, documentary, and staff resources.

While continued attention must be given to the needs of our visiting public, broader service to our national constituency, an area of service that receives only small amounts of Federal funding, should be the primary focus over time. This emphasis is particularly appropriate since the funds that are proposed for allocation to new or enlarged outreach activities are realized primarily from the successful magazine. Many of its subscribers have little or no opportunity to visit our museums, galleries, zoo, and other education centers. A special effort also should be made to reach those persons who for reasons of age, race, economic condition, or other factors may not have been served adequately in the past.

For fiscal year 1978, an allocation of $500,000 of unrestricted trust fund is proposed for this category of work. Much needed support for our present educational programs requires a major upgrading of the audio-visual equipment in our auditoriums and other meeting rooms which are heavily used by the general public and the Associates.