Executive Committee of the American Institute of Physics
Minutes of Meeting
Members Present: Ralph A. Sawyer – Chairman, S. A. Goudsmit, W. W. Havens, Jr., Ronald Geballe, S. L. Quimby, Mary E. Warga
Absent: R. Bruce Lindsay
Guest: Mark W. Zemansky attended that meeting for a brief period in his capacity as Acting Chairman of the Committee to Study Current Practices of the Editorial Mechanics Section.
AIP Staff Present: H. W. Koch, Wallace Waterfall, G. F. Gilbert, Lewis Slack, Mary M. Johnson
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 9:32 a.m.
1. Minutes
Upon motion made and carried, the minutes of the meeting of March 22, 1968, were approved as distributed.
2. Auditors’ Report and Financial Statement for 1967
The Treasurer displayed a copy of the auditors’ report for 1967, which was received on May 13, and said that copies had been sent to the Secretaries and Treasurers of all Member Societies. The audited figures agree completely with those contained in our financial statement for 1967 which was sent to all Board members on May 7, 1968.
3. Financial Statement for First Quarter 1968
The Treasurer reported that, because of delays in publication, our books are still in the process of being closed for the first quarter of 1968. He distributed copies of a “Comparative Summary Statement of Income” for the first three months of 1968 versus Budget, as compared with the same period last year. (The First Quarter 1968 Financial Statement was completed subsequent to this meeting and copies have been sent to all members of the Governing Board. A copy is enclosed with these minutes for others who should have it.)
There was a brief discussion of our experience in collecting publication charges, and the Director reported that a study of the publication charge concept in this country is currently being conducted with funding by the National Science Foundation.
4. Death of Former Board Member Charles C. Lauritsen
The Secretary reported that Charles C. Lauritsen, a former Board member representing the American Physical Society, had died on April 13, 1968, and the following resolution was adopted upon motion made and passed without dissent:
WHEREAS the Executive Committee of the Governing Board of the American Institute of Physics desires to record its deep sorrow at the death of its esteemed colleague, Charles C. Lauritsen, who served as a member of the Governing Board from 1952 to 1955, be it
RESOLVED, That the Executive Committee of the Institute hereby give formal expression of its severe loss and does hereby note in its records the passing from this life of a man who was esteemed by his associates and respected by all; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to his family.
5. Amendment to Provision for Continuation of Major Medical Insurance After Retirement
The Secretary stated that on June 10, 1965, the Executive Committee had adopted a retirement policy and, at the same meeting, had passed a motion providing that employees who retire under our Revised Retirement Plan and who had been covered under our group Major Medical Insurance, could continue this coverage if they pay the premiums. We have several employees now who are not on our Revised Retirement Plan because they were over the required age when they joined the staff but who are covered by our Major Medical Insurance. The Secretary recommended that the previous action be amended to include these employees, and the following motion was made by Mr. Havens, seconded and passed without dissenting vote:
MOVED that employees who are covered by the Institute’s Major Medical Insurance policy and who retire from the Institute under the provisions of the retirement policy adopted by the Executive Committee on June 10, 1965, may be permitted to continue on the AIP Major Medical policy provided they reimburse the Institute for their premiums.
6. Corporate Associates
The Secretary reported that Gulf General Atomic, Inc., had requested to become a Corporate Associate of the Institute at the annual dues rate of $2,000.00. Upon motion made and passed, Gulf General Atomic, Inc., was elected a Corporate Associate, effective immediately.
7. AIP Publication Study
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Status of Study and Plans for Future
The Director referred to the large loose-leaf notebooks which he had given to each member of the Executive Committee shortly before the meeting and he briefly described their contents and urged that they be studied thoroughly. He particularly called attention to his introductory memorandum, “AIP Publication Study,” and proceeded to review it in detail. A copy of the memorandum is attached to these minutes. He said that the memorandum had been discussed with the Committee to Study Current Practices of the Editorial Mechanics Section on the preceding day and that the Committee had endorsed the six recommendations on Pages 6 and 7. The Director then asked Mr. Zemansky to speak for the Committee.
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Report of the Committee to Study Current Practices of the Editorial Mechanics Section (Subcommittee on Editorial Procedures)
Mr. Zemansky said that he was serving as Acting Chairman of the Committee during Mr. Lindsay’s convalescence and that the Committee had met five times since it was appointed last December at the request of Mr. Quimby. Mr. Zemansky said he felt that most authors, especially new ones, had little understanding of the procedures involved in preparing a manuscript for the printer and he explained some of the operations. He pointed out that the sudden increase in the printers’ charges for so-called “Authors’ Alterations” had triggered the investigation requested by Mr. Quimby and much data had been collected on that subject and had been studied by Mr. Quimby and others. Mr. Zemansky explained that “Authors’ Alterations” are changes made in page proof by authors or AIP staff editors and that changes made by printers on page proofs are two and one-half times as costly as changes on galley proofs. In an effort to reduce publication delays the AIP staff had pushed manuscripts and galleys through the various processes too swiftly with the result that many errors were not caught until page proof. More time spent on manuscripts and galleys could probably have reduced the charges for “Authors’ Alterations” but it might have increased editorial mechanics costs and resulted in delays. Mr. Zemansky ended his presentation by expressing approval of the progress being made and said that the Committee endorsed the six recommendations made in Mr. Koch’s memorandum.
Then followed a discussion of “Authors’ Alterations” and the possibility of reducing them by various means. Mr. Havens expressed the opinion that the delays involved in doing a thorough editorial job on manuscripts and galley proofs would not be objectionable if it would reduce costs. A motion was then made by Mr. Quimby and seconded by Mr. Havens. An amendment to the motion was proposed by Mr. Havens, accepted by Mr. Quimby, and the following amended motion was passed without dissenting vote:
MOVED that the Editorial Mechanics Section be requested to consider possible procedures which may reduce the hours per page spent by the printer on page proof alterations to not more than two-tenths the hours per page spent on page and galley proof alterations combined, subject to the condition that the consequent additional costs for Editorial Mechanics not exceed the saving thereby effected, and that among the procedures to be considered may be the possibility of reducing costs by delays in publication.
Mr. Goudsmit pointed out that the Institute was created to perform for the Societies those services which could be more efficiently done by one centralized organization following standardized procedures. He said uniformity is essential and the Institute should take the initiative in trying to achieve it. He asked that a new “Style Manual” be prepared and that it be as short as possible.
Mr. Havens proposed that an article, describing editorial mechanics procedures as Mr. Zemansky had done, be prepared and published with illustrations in PHYSICS TODAY. By motion made and carried Mr. Havens’ proposal was approved.
Mr. Goudsmit said it should be made clear that there is no criticism of Mr. Biesel, Manager of the Editorial Mechanics Section, implied in the present study and, in fact, he should be commended for the excellent job he has been doing under difficult circumstances. Upon motion made and passed without dissent, the Executive Committee expressed it confidence in Mr. Biesel.
8. Changes in Single Copy Prices of Translation Journals
The Treasurer stated that the Executive Committee, at its meeting on December 19, 1967, had authorized price increases for the SOVIET JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR PHYSICS and Soviet Physics–SEMICONDUCTORS from $70 to $80, effective July 1, 1968. Single copy prices should be adjusted accordingly, and the following motion was made, seconded and passed without dissenting vote:
MOVED that the price for single copies of the SOVIET JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR PHYSICS and Soviet Physics–SEMICONDUCTORS be increased from $7.00 to $8.00, effective July 1, 1968.
9. Status of IRS Approval of Employee Savings Plan
The Treasurer reported that, on December 19, 1967, the Executive Committee had approved an Employee Savings Plan for the staff, to become effective as of January 1, 1968, subject to approval by the Internal Revenue Service. We had been told at that time that such approval could be obtained very quickly but this has not been the case. We have been advised that the approval has not been granted because of an unpublished regulation applicable to 501(c)(3) organizations and, although our legal counsel is continuing efforts to secure the approval, it does not look promising. For this reason, contributions which had been made to the Plan by employees from January 1 through April 15 were refunded with an explanatory letter.
The Treasurer said we would like to reinstate the Plan as soon as possible if the required IRS approval should be received. The following motion was made by Mr. Quimby, seconded by Mr. Havens and passed without dissenting vote:
MOVED that the staff be authorized to put the Employee Savings Plan into effect as of the first quarter following approval by the Internal Revenue Service.
10. Status of Journal Air Freight to Europe
The Treasurer distributed copies of a memorandum concerning journal air freight to Europe (copy attached). He said that, at the Assembly of Society Officers last fall, attendees were asked to take up with their governing bodies the matter of shipping journals to Europe by air freight. He explained that, if the plan is adopted, air freight shipment would be mandatory for all European non-member subscribers in the area served by the air freight arrangement. Member subscribers are not included in our proposal because some of the Societies offer their journals “on membership” and would either have to absorb the added cost themselves or raise their dues rates to cover it. Each of the Societies will be sent information about the differential for its own journals and, if the Institute is authorized to proceed with air freight delivery for its journals, the Societies can join the plan whenever it is approved by their governing bodies.
Miss Warga asked whether meeting programs and membership directories could be included and the Secretary said he thought they could but would check on it. The following motion was then made by Mr. Havens, seconded by Miss Warga and passed without dissenting vote:
MOVED that, effective January 1, 1969, European non-member subscribers to AIP-owned journals be offered the journals delivered only by air freight as proposed and at increased rates as proposed in the attached memorandum.
Mr. Gilbert explained that the air freight arrangement applies at present only to Europe, the Near and Middle East and North Africa. Recent increases in foreign postal rates for surface mail make it desirable to increase the foreign subscription differential for a few of our journals. The present and proposed differentials for those journals where changes are desirable are as follows:
| Journal | Present | Proposed |
|---|---|---|
| JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSICS | $3.50 | $4.50 |
| THE JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL PHYSICS | 6.00 | 7.00 |
| PHYSICS TODAY | 1.00 | 1.50 |
The following motion was made, seconded and passed without dissent:
MOVED that foreign subscription differentials for non-member subscribers as proposed above be approved, effective January 1, 1969.
11. Budget Increases for PHYSICS TODAY Staff
The Director stated that, as a result of recent discussion with R. H. Ellis, Jr., Editor of PHYSICS TODAY, the staff favors encouraging his efforts to improve the quality of the magazine. A readjustment of the PT staff is contemplated and we are requesting a budget increase for salaries for 1968. The following motion was made by Mr. Quimby, seconded by Mr. Geballe and passed without dissenting vote:
MOVED that the PHYSICS TODAY budget for staff salaries for 1968 be increased by an amount not to exceed $5,000.00.
Mr. Havens pointed out that the Editor has a valid point in his contention that there should be some incentive for improving the journal even if it does have a “captive audience.” One measure of such improvement would be in the number of non-member subscriptions the magazine is able to attract and Mr. Havens suggested that it might be appropriate to offer the Editor some fraction of the income from increased non-member subscriptions for improvement of PT. He added that increased advertising income might also be taken into account, and he made the following motion which was seconded by Mr. Quimby and passed without dissenting vote:
MOVED that the staff investigate a formula for providing the staff of PHYSICS TODAY with an incentive for editorial improvements, based on some fraction of increased income from additional non-member subscriptions.
12. Report on Stony Brook Agreement
Mr. Slack reported that a two-year agreement had been signed with the State University of New York at Stony Brook for the housing at SUNY of some of the AIP Education Division activities, as reported in the Executive Committee minutes of January 31, 1968, and the Governing Board minutes of March 23, 1968. It is expected that the space will be ready for our occupancy some time in July.
13. Report on COMPAS Ballot
Mr. Slack reported that a mail ballot was sent to members of the Governing Board on May 9 regarding rather wide distribution of a newspaper prepared by John Wheeler, former Chairman of the Committee on Physics and Society, describing topics which were of interest to COMPAS during the past year. There were 18 approvals, 9 with comments, 8 subject to conditions of various kinds, and only one without comment. One Board member did not reply and there were 8 disapprovals. Inasmuch as there is not decisive approval of distribution of the newspaper without revision, we feel no action should be taken until the Committee has had an opportunity to reconsider the subject at its meeting on June 17. If a substitute is adopted by the Committee, the Governing Board will be asked again to vote on it.
14. Request for Service from American Association of Physicists in Medicine
The Secretary reported that the subject organization, which is an Affiliated Society, has asked us to perform certain services such as collecting their dues and handling their publication, the “Quarterly Bulletin.” If the Executive Committee approves we would offer to do for them those things which we feel we can properly do within our present capacity and at our regular fee to Affiliated Societies of cost plus 15%. In answer to a question, the Secretary stated that AAPM has about 380 members and is considered to be a very prestigious group.
The following motion was then made, seconded and passed without dissenting vote:
MOVED that the Institute be authorized to perform services which it deems appropriate for the American Association of Physicists in Medicine at cost, plus 15% for “in house” services and 5% for “out of house” services.
15. Costing of “Directory of Physics and Astronomy Faculties”
The Treasurer displayed a copy of the 1967-1968 “Director of Physics and Astronomy Faculties.” He said in the past it has contained only physics faculties but with this edition we have included departments of astronomy at the request of the American Astronomical Society. Heretofore the cost has been shared on an equal basis between the American Association of Physics Teachers and AIP. AAS has agreed to pay its share for the current directory. We have not yet calculated the final net cost as we are still receiving income from sales. At the present time, the cost is $8,800 and the staff recommends that AIP bear half of the cost and that the other half be split between AAPT and AAS in proportion to the membership of the Societies. This would mean 41.5% for AAPT and 8.5% for AAS. This is understood to be acceptable to AAS.
Executive Committee members agreed that the Directory was a valuable publication for all Societies and Mr. Geballe suggested that, in the future, it might be well for AIP to assume complete financial responsibility and attempt to recover most of the cost by increased sales through advertising the directory’s availability. He said he thought AAPT should receive credit for having originated the directory and the Secretary suggested that, if this proposal is adopted, we could include a statement to that effect on the inside front cover. The following motion was made, seconded and passed without dissenting vote:
MOVED that the Treasurer’s recommendation for dividing the cost of producing the 1967-1968 “Directory of Physics and Astronomy Faculties” among AIP, AAPT and AAS be approved.
The meeting adjourned for luncheon at 12:00 and reconvened at 12:45 p.m.
16. Status of Information Program
The Director reported that our proposal for $636,600 for the year beginning July 1, 1968, had been submitted to the National Science Foundation in April, and we have been told by NSF that our Information Program has top priority on their list. We have 18 people on the payroll now and another three have been hired. We expect eventually to have a total of 29 but do not want to make any additional commitments until we are assured that the funds for next year will be granted.
The Director said there are two main components of the Information Program as it is now developing. The first is the classification and indexing of documents that will be the basis of the journal indexing scheme that Mr. Herschman, Director of the Information Division, will try to induce journal editors individually to adopt late in the summer. The second component is systems design. Important in this design on the national level is the AIP involvement this calendar year in the production of computer tapes that contain bibliographic information and citations in physics documents; important on the international level is the production of computer tapes with which the Institution of Electrical Engineers can computer compose the journal, PHYSICS ABSTRACTS.
The Director displayed several folders which contained correspondence with potential contractors in the systems field. He said we are endeavoring to work out an arrangement which will augment our own staff capabilities.
17. Membership in the National Federation of Science Abstracting & Indexing Services
The Director reported that the subject organization is composed of representatives from the private field of indexing and abstracting. Some years ago Van Zandt Williams, when he was Director, applied for membership on behalf of the Institute but we were not admitted at that time because their membership was limited to organizations which operated their own services whereas we were working through PHYSICS ABSTRACTS in London. They have now broadened their charter and we were recently advised that the Institute has been elected to membership. Annual dues are based on the member’s annual operating budget but, if we interpret this as pertaining to abstracting and indexing activities only, our dues would be $250.00. The Director said we would like to join as we wish to have a voice in setting the standards by which we will have to operate. The following motion was made, seconded and passed without dissenting vote:
MOVED that the Institute be authorized to join the National Federation of Science Abstracting and Indexing Services at an annual dues rate not to exceed $250.00.
18. Rental of Space at 304 East 45 Street
The Secretary recalled that, as reported at several recent meetings of the Executive Committee, the Property Committee which was appointed toward the end of 1966 has been trying since that time to locate additional rental space in the vicinity of our headquarters building to house the Information Division. Suitable space in the building at 304 East 45 Street, on the opposite side of the street about half a block west, was recently brought to our attention and on May 13 we signed a 10-year lease for the entire 16th floor. The space contains 9,800 square feet gross (approximately 7,500 useable square feet) and the annual rent is $33,000 for the first five years and $36,000 for the second five years. Remodeling and air conditioning will cost about $75,000 which we intend to amortize over the ten-year period of the lease. This means that the total annual cost of this space for ten years will be about $7.00 per useable square foot which compares very favorably with the $7.25 we are paying for the Editorial Section and $7.30 for Advertising. The Secretary said there have been reports in the newspapers that a private corporation sponsored by the City of New York intends to take over the area from 43 Street to the south side of 45 Street between First and Second Avenues in order to build a United Nations “Center.” The New York State Legislature has just passed a bill authorizing the City to condemn the property but we are told it may be some years before the planning is finished and condemnation actually begins. We are protected in that our lease carries a clause indemnifying us against financial loss in such event.
The Secretary then read a resolution which had been prepared by our attorney and, upon motion made by Miss Warga, seconded by Mr. Havens and passed without dissenting vote, the following resolution was adopted:
RESOLVED, That this Committee hereby ratifies the action of the Director and the Secretary in executing a lease, dated May 13, 1968, on behalf of the American Institute of Physics Incorporated, of space on the 16th Floor of 304-320 East 45 Street from Allied Operators, Inc., Landlord.
The Secretary said the Property Committee is continuing its efforts to locate a property large enough to house all of our operations, and he reported that a tentative offer for our present property has been received.
19. Arrangement with the Institution of Electrical Engineers on PHYSICS ABSTRACTS and CURRENT PAPERS IN PHYSICS for 1968 and 1969
The Director reported that we are currently negotiating with IEE in London an arrangement for handling PHYSICS ABSTRACTS and CURRENT PAPERS IN PHYSICS for 1968 and 1969. Our arrangement for 1968 is based on dollars as the medium of exchange. Devaluation of the Pound has resulted in a gain of about $10,000 to IEE which they have agreed to share with us on a fifty-fifty basis. In 1969 IEE plans to increase the coverage of PA by about 30% to include reports and patents and wants to raise the price from $24 to $30 for members and from $140 to $170 for non-members. Further increases in coverage and price are planned for 1970. We intend to make it clear to subscribers that they will be getting more for their money in 1969 and we will observe their reactions. We will raise our subscription prices accordingly and are confident that income from the $10 abstract charge will be more than adequate to cover our subsidy. The following motion was then made by Mr. Havens, seconded by Mr. Goudsmit and passed without dissenting vote:
MOVED that the staff be authorized to negotiate with IEE and to fix the final subscription prices on PHYSICS ABSTRACTS and CURRENT PAPERS IN PHYSICS for the coming year.
20. Translation of Ukrainian Journal of Physics
The Director reported that the Executive Committee, on June 9, 1967, had authorized the Institute to undertake translation of the Ukrainian Journal of Physics in 1968 provided our financial situation with respect to the translation program was favorable. We have just learned that this publication is being translated and printed in Israel under contract with the Atomic Energy Commission and the National Science Foundation. NSF would be very happy to have us take it over and we feel it would be a proper addition to our list of translation journals. In answer to a question from Mr. Geballe about taking this work away from the Israelis, the Director explained that there are numerous other translation assignments for the people who have been doing and we would not be incurring any ill will. The following motion was then made, seconded and passed without dissenting vote:
MOVED that the Executive Committee reaffirm its previous action authorizing the Institute to proceed with translation and publication of the Ukrainian Journal of Physics beginning with the 1968 issues.
21. Proposal for AIP Distribution of IPPS Journals
The Director reported that the Institute had received a request from the Institute of Physics and The Physical Society (IPPS) in London to handle distribution of their eight journals, Sections A, B, C, D, and E of the “Journal of Physics,” “Physics Education,” “Physics Bulletin” and “Progress in Physics.” If the Executive Committee approves, we would list them in our 1969 “Journal and Membership Information” brochure and we would charge IPPS cost plus 15% for handling the subscriptions and distributing the journals in this country, the same financial arrangement we have with Affiliated Societies on services. The following motion was made by Mr. Havens, seconded by Mr. Quimby and passed without dissenting vote:
MOVED that the Institute be authorized to negotiate and conclude an arrangement with IPPS for distribution of its journals to American subscribers.
22. Sale of Microform Copies of Journals by AIP
The Director called attention to the fact that the Executive Committee, at its meeting on March 22, had approved an arrangement whereby the Institute, working through a contractor such as University Microfilms, would handle the sale and pricing of microform copies of Institute and Society journals. He said we now want to delay embarking on this project for a year or so, not only because we do not yet have enough information, but because we would like to learn more about the experience of the American Chemical Society which just started the sale of microforms which, we understand, is not going too well.
Mr. Havens pointed out that any decision by the Societies with regard to their journals would have to be made early in 1969 if prices for 1970 are to be included in the journal information booklet.
23. AAPT Request for Share of Exhibit Income
The Director distributed copies of a letter he had received from Stanley S. Ballard, President of AAPT, asking that the subject of sharing with APS and AAPT the net income from exhibits at the annual APS-AAPT joint meetings be discussed by the Executive Committee. The Director stated that the first such exhibit was held in 1936 and the second in 1951 in Chicago at the time of the Institute’s 20th anniversary in which all Societies participated. The third exhibit was held in 1955 and it has been an annual affair ever since. These exhibits have always been sponsored by AIP and, in the case of the 1951 exhibit, it was stated at the time that “income would be used to defray expenses of the meeting.” In addition to expenses directly connected with the exhibit itself, the Institute charges against exhibit income the cost of hiring Convention Bureau personnel to help with registration and the cost of rooms and subsistence at the hotel for AIP employees and other meeting expenses.
In 1965 Director Williams agreed to a request from Arnold Arons, then President of AAPT, that the Institute pay out of proceeds from the exhibit for an AAPT apparatus competition to be held in 1967. The total cost came to $4,363.95. Last year the Institute was requested by AAPT to finance a film competition at the 1968 meeting and the subject was discussed by the Executive Committee on February 2 and again on October 3, 1967, but no approval was granted.
The Treasurer distributed two “Statements of Income and Expense” for the January 30-February 2, 1967, annual meeting, one calculated by the current method and one based on a suggested alternate method. Under the proposed alternate method AIP would charge 25% of the gross for handling the exhibit, as it does for other Societies, and the net income from exhibits would be divided on the same basis as registration fees between APS and AAPT.
Mr. Geballe said he feels AAPT would prefer not to tamper with the current method of allocating exhibit income but would like to find some way of covering the costs of their apparatus competitions out of exhibit income as they feel these competitions enhance the whole exhibit. He said the next competition is expected to cost considerably less than the $4,000 spent in 1967 and he made the following motion which was seconded and passed with one dissenting vote by Mr. Havens:
MOVED that AIP underwrite the expenses of the AAPT Apparatus Competition to be held at the time of the 1969 joint meeting in a manner similar to that for 1967 but not to exceed $4,000.00.
Mr. Geballe said this assumes there will be no change in the method of allocating exhibit income by that time.
Mr. Havens stated he voted against the above motion on principle but, if a contribution is to be made from exhibit income for an AAPT project, he assumes that a proportionate contribution would also be made for an APS project if and when requested.
The Director suggested that, if funds for the AAPT competition are to come from exhibit income, it might be appropriate for AIP to have a voice in determining competition policy and he suggested that it could be handled through the AIP Committee on Exhibits at APS-AAPT Meetings, consisting of Messrs. Waterfall (Chairman), Havens, Zemansky, Koch and Vorburger.
The Secretary said he felt that the Institute should adopt a uniform policy with regard to exhibits for all Societies, even if it means the loss of revenue to AIP. Mr. Geballe made the following motion which was seconded by Mr. Havens, and passed without dissenting vote:
MOVED that APS and AAPT explore with the Institute alternate methods for distributing income from exhibits held in connection with the annual joint APS-AAPT meeting.
Mr. Havens said APS would not want to get involved in any dispute with the Internal Revenue Service over “unrelated business income” and would not favor the proposed alternate method of distributing exhibit income.
24. Progress Report on Changeover of Subscription Fulfillment to Magnetic Tape
The Treasurer distributed copies of a progress report on the conversion to magnetic tape for subscription fulfillment and dues billing operations which is summarized as follows:
System design is being reviewed and updated and 68 programs have been written to date. Nine of the ten segments required to begin operations have been completed. Translation journal subscriptions have already been converted to tape and, for the past two weeks, they have been run in parallel with the old equipment. We will receive title to the UNIVAC 1004 Card Processor for $1.00 when we receive our first billing for the 9300 computer. Conversion is expected to start next week and the time required for conversion of all punched cards (approximately 300,000) to tape, and conversion of the tape to the format of the new system including production of a master list, will be five to seven working days. Regular fulfillment operations will not be held up for more than two or three days.
The Treasurer answered several questions about the capability of the new system to handle specialized requirements of the various Societies.
25. Plans for Fall Meeting
The Director distributed copies of a tentative program for the fall meeting of Society officers and Corporate Associates. The headquarters hotel will be the Roosevelt in New York City and a panel discussion on “U.S. Science – Views from the Outside” is planned for the first evening, Wednesday, September 25. Thursday, September 26, will be devoted to a meeting of Corporate Associates at Caspary Hall in Rockefeller University with talks on “Frontiers of Science” in the morning and “Applications of Physics” in the afternoon. On Friday, September 27, there will be a plenary session for Society officers and Governing Board members, and a meeting of the Board in the afternoon.
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Next Meeting – Executive Committee
It was agreed to hold the next meeting of the Executive Committee at the Institute on Wednesday afternoon, September 25, the exact time to be decided later.
26. Honoraria
The Director read a memorandum he had written to Chairman Sawyer concerning his acceptance of an honorarium for a talk he had given recently. He said it is his intention to accept such invitations in the future only if they are infrequent and do not interfere with his duties as Director, unless there are objections. There were none.
The meeting was adjourned at 2:58 p.m.