U.S., National Register of Scientific and Technical Personnel, 1921-1970

This register was initially created to be a ready source to identify specialized personnel during a national emergency. As the value of the data for statistical purposes was recognized, the main purpose of maintaining the registers shifted to providing a source of statistical information on scientific and engineering personnel. The National Register was a major source of data for studies related to the development of national science policy, and provided information to Congress, agencies of the executive branch, State governments, private industry, and institutions of higher education.