Abstract
This article discusses the general problems examined by the Secretary of Defenses's Periodicals Evaluation Task Force, their key findings, and their major recommendations. The task force analyzed a system of 1,402 per iodicals, published at a total annual cost of $12.7 million. Although most periodicals were produced economically, substantial savings could have been made by careful monitoring of production and distribution. Most periodicals lacked qualified editorial personnel. Distribution of the period icals was arbitrary and slow. And sponsors of even the higher-cost periodi cals were not conducting adequate research to determine whether their periodicals were being read or exerting the desired effect. To correct these deficiences, the task force recommended a system of policy guidance, criteria and standards for publication, management review, and quality controls.
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