![Transcription Center logo](/themes/custom/tc_theme/assets/image/logo.png)
This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.
121 archeometry, species conservation and propagation, and man-related disciplines. The rapid development of new techniques and fabrication of new instruments in the field of astrophysics now opens the possibility of constructing a telescope with double the collecting area now provided by twenty of the largest telescopes in the world. The New Technology Telescope, now widely discussed in the astronomical community, will be of direct interest to the Institution's astrophysical laboratory. As a part of its longer-term research agenda, the Smithsonian may indeed be more of a focus for the activities of some of the American overseas research centers whose research interests align with those of the Institution. Improvements to all aspects of managing collections is another long-term concern, including continuation and updating of the comprehensive inventories, security mechanisms, and loan processing arrangements, the development of automated information systems, and the conservation and preservation of artifacts and objects for research and display purposes. The Smithsonian will always have major responsibilities directed to the preservation and care of collections. Objects made by man, or collected by him from nature, are the tangible products of his historically persistent struggles to comprehend and live with his environment, extend mastery over it, improve his condition, and express his spiritual aspirations. The collection, interpretation, preservation, and transmission of knowledge related to important objects is essential if this and future generations of people are to measure and understand the character of international cultural and natural change. The programs which will be housed at the Museum Support Center building, now under construction and scheduled for completion in FY 1983, will be fully operational by the mid-1990s. The facility and its programs were fundamentally conceived a decade ago to provide space, laboratories, training areas, and equipment, all designed for the efficient storage, study, care and preservation of its collections. In a visible fashion in future years, the Center and its operations represent the Institution's commitment to apply the most advanced conservation and preservation techniques known to minimize the unavoidable toll of time on the products and discoveries of man, and to allow them to be passed on as a resource for future research and exhibition. Educational programs and services to the public, including classes, publication and other media activities, are expected to grow in number and variety. They will be adapted in a style and format which will be in keeping with the changes that will be taking place in television and communications technologies.