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29 [[preprinted]] [[image - drawing of Smithsonian Natural History building dome in a circle]] National Museum of Natural History • Smithsonian Institution WASHINGTON, D.C. 20560 • TEL. 202-[[/preprinted]]381-5954 January 7, 1975 Mr. S. Dillon Ripley Thru: Dr. Challinor ^[[P.C. 1/7]] Room 207 SI Building Dear Dillon: I am very concerned to hear that the increased estimate for the West Court building is causing some apprehension amongst the Regents. The construction of this building is so vital to this Museum that I thought it might be useful to review its functions. Besides the fact that more eating facilities are needed on the Mall, we are particularly anxious to get a cafeteria for the public in this building so that our visitors will spend more time in our exhibits. Most visitors must schedule their tours with food in mind, and if we can provide lunch and snack facilities we will be able to keep more visitors for longer periods of time. We believe that our new exhibits will have much to offer our visitors and therefore the more time they spend here the more they will learn about natural history. The staff dining room will do much to break down the divisional and departmental barriers that have kept our staff isolated from one another. As we move further into interdisciplinary studies it is essential that our scientists and the support staff communicate more with one another. Having a restaurant in the building will guarantee that many who never see each other will meet frequently. The Associates dining room will not only serve as a contribution to the Associates but will also bring these people, who have already shown a keen interest in the Smithsonian, into the Museum of Natural History. The building of the new Shops in the West Court building will not only provide us with a far larger and more attractive Shop but, of equal importance, will make it possible for us to remove the Shop from
