115 / 194
PUNCH CARD INDEX: PRECURSORTO LINKEDIN
174
●
ROOSEVELT, FRANKLIN D. Typed Letter Signed, as President, to Director of
the National Roster of Scientific and Specialized Personnel Leonard Carmichael, concern-
ing a punch-card index of American scientists. 1 page, 4to, White House stationery; pin
holes at upper left corner, horizontal fold.With the original envelope.
Washington, 16 January 1941
[400/600]
“
Many thanks for your thoughtfulness in sending me that very interesting questionnaire. I am very glad to
know of the practical way in which you are building a punch-card index to America’s scientists and
specialized personnel. It is gratifying to hear that it is working out so well.”
In 1940, the National Resources Planning Board established a plan to create the National Roster of
Scientific and Specialized Personnel whose primary purpose was to improve the efficiency of the recruit-
ment of specialists for war research. The agency has been transferred to various departments and
modified over the years, eventually becoming integrated into the National Science Foundation’s
National Register of Scientific andTechnical Personnel in 1952.