Viewing page 59 of 124

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

-44-

National Museum of American History.  IBM has been considering a major grant for this exhibition, but more recently officials at IBM have also been discussing with the Secretary still another initiative, a possible new museum, ten or fifteen years from now, which would grapple with the total impact of the information age on American society.  While no one is certain that a museum is called for, or what such a museum would do, IBM has been talking about making a leadership grant which would draw out additional support throughout the computer industry to launch a two-year fundamental study of whether a new museum should take on this complex and immensely wide-ranging topic or whether it is better addressed within the framework of existing museums.  The next steps include some careful approaches within the industry and establishing a dialogue with the Boston Computer Museum, and the Secretary will be traveling to both Boston and the Silicon Valley over the course of the next few months.  In discussion it was agreed that while the Smithsonian would certainly need the support of the industry in this endeavor, the Institution should remain in control of the development and fulfillment of the concept.

THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

Mr. Adams reported that he has discussed with officials at the Library of Congress the apparent duplication between the Smithsonian library and the Library of Congress.  Acknowledging that there are important functions which the Smithsonian needs to carry on with respect to its own activities, the Secretary added that there may be long-term economic benefits and improvements to service if the two institutions could enhance current levels of cooperation.