{"value"=>"<p>Series 1 contains annual reports written by the Chief of the United States History, Local History and Genealogy Division that highlight the accomplishments, news, and issues of the division. The majority of these reports are authored by Gunther Pohl, who served as chief for 16 years. Standard information contained in these reports includes staff rosters, reader statistics, notable acquisitions and gifts, staff accomplishments, trends in the use of the collection, and a commentary on the state of the division's affairs. Requests for increased space, additional staff and improved services are recurring themes. The majority of annual reports contain attachments consisting of weekly surveys of reader use by affiliation and place of residence, as well as an inventory of periodicals received on an annual basis.</p> <p>These reports are supplemented by the annual reports reference material files containing the information from which the chief would prepare and generate the annual report. The reference files, which date from 1960-1984, contain a range of materials including user statistics, notes, memoranda, and correspondence relating to the issues of staff, space, cataloguing, conservation, and improved services, as well as information regarding gifts received, materials loaned to other institutions, and group visits.</p>"}