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any travel or similar activities carried out by such researchers on behalf of the Institution.

An internal review has been initiated to examine the existing arrangements between affiliated agencies housed at the Museum of Natural History.  At present, agreements exist between the Museum and the Department of Agriculture, as well as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  A draft agreement exists with the U.S. Army's Water Reed Army Institute of Research, Medical Research and Development Command, and is undergoing review.  Talks are to begin shortly with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for the National Marine Fisheries Service Laboratory as well as the U.S. Geological Survey.  The results of the reviews with affiliated agencies are expected to lead to a greater understanding between the Smithsonian and these agencies of their respective roles and responsibilities.  The Regents will be kept apprised of significant developments related to this matter.

Finally, the Secretary approved a new policy on February 25, 1992, regarding field collecting for research to be incorporated as part of the Institution's overall collections policy.  The policy is now awaiting formal publication.

OVERVIEW OF SMITHSONIAN MEMBERSHIP PROGRAMS

In the interest of becoming better able to evaluate the various categories of Smithsonian membership programs, a recent study documented these activities and drew attention to certain issues warranting further examination.  The goals are to achieve understanding of the separate programs, greater consistency in their operations, and an examination of possible areas of overlap.  Further study may also disclose actions to increase and sustain public participation and support of the Institution and its bureaus and offices.

As shown on the list below, some 20 membership programs exist or are being implemented.  Applying a broad definition of "membership," these programs range in size and scope from large, broadly-based Institutional and bureau endeavors to Friends' groups, usually organized from outside the Institution, to small directors' circles of specially chosen individuals.  Additional programs are contemplated and others may be considered as a means of generating interest in and support for particular bureaus or offices.

Each of these membership activities appears to be valuable, promoting important public participation, interest and good will, and financial support.  In the course of gathering information, however, certain cross-cutting problems or issues were identified in a preliminary manner.  Among these are the apparent lack of guidelines and criteria to evaluate current and proposed new programs, uncertainties in determining costs, inconsistencies and gaps in providing tax information to members and donors, and lack of coordination in identifying and obtaining new members.  Other issues are the potential for overloading present or prospective members with solicitations, failures to use or contribute to central data bases, and lack of analysis of members and sales to the public to cultivate continued and increased interest in the Smithsonian and support of its bureaus and programs.  How to address these and other

Transcription Notes:
Reviewed