Cases like those, where NASA technology has been rather directly applied for another purpose, are not common, of course.

Dr. LESHER. New knowledge occurs in bits and pieces, not in readily usable packages. To solve a given problem in one context may require the pulling together of knowledge developed for a dozen other purposes, adaption of that knowledge to the specific situation, and often, the creation of new knowledge to round out the package so it can be applied.

The delivery of tailored packages of knowledge in response to user needs is the aim of the experimental Regional Dissemination Centers established by NASA. Nine centers, each one different, now exist (fig. 6).

(Fig. 6 referred to follows:)

They are obligated to become self-supporting in five years or less on the basis of industrial fees for services rendered.

They are located at universities or not-for-profit research institutes.

All are oriented toward fulfilling the service role of their institutes, as well as their research and teaching roles.

All are supplied by NASA with the information collected by the Scientific and Technical Information Division and with that Division's expertise in information retrieval.