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[[underlined]] Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute [[/underlined]]

During his visit to Panama to attend the dedication ceremony for the new seawater system, Under Secretary Hughes met with President Royo at the latter's request to discuss the possibility of joint occupancy at the Tivoli site of the projected National Library of Panama and our own STRI Library.  The Republic is currently negotiating a grant from the Inter-American Development Bank to build a new National Library and the most suitable site seems to be adjacent to our present administrative headquarters at Tivoli.

There is adequate room for such a new facility at this site but because of different requirements, the Smithsonian plans to develop its own plans for a separate building.  Our own personnel require a specialized open-stack research library which cannot be accommodated in a closed-stack system proposed for the new National Library.  There is much to be gained apart from just the good will in collaborating with our Panamanian hosts and the STRI architect is now integrating his plans with those of the government.  The presence of the National Library will certainly increase the visibility of STRI locally and increase its integration into the cultural and scientific life of the country.  Mr. Hughes encouraged this joint effort, which is now well underway.