Summary of 1969 User Survey

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78-05597A000200010042-8
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: C
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: November 9, 2016
• Document Release Date: October 2, 1998
• Sequence Number: 42
• Publication Date: January 19, 1972
• Content Type: SUMMARY

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Approved For Release 1999/09/20: CIA-RDP78-05597A000200010042-8 TAB C
Summary of 1969 User Survey
1. Summarized reviews of NIS users in response to a detailed questionnaire
(see TAB E) include:
"The NIS is widely and regularly used, both in Washington and
in the field; almost 99% of returns indicated some use of the NIS,
with over 54% of responders considering themselves regular users".
"Of the three types of NIS products, the General Survey is used
by 86% of those replying, the Factbook by 81%, and the individual
detailed sections by as many as 62% or as few as 27%. On the
average, consumers reported using nearly half of the various NIS
products as listed in the questionnaire".
"Prima.ry use of the NIS is as a background reference (39%); it
is also used in direct support of other research and analysis (30%),
as a briefing aid (17%), and in support of planning and operations
(11%). Nearly half of those responding said they turned to the NIS
in crisis situations".
"The main criticism of the NIS is that much of it is out of date
and requires more frequent and rapid maintenance (updating)".
"Review of the NIS Program confirms that it is serving its in-
tended purpose of providing comprehensive, reliable, basic in-
formation and analysis on foreign areas; its validity and utility
are thus reaffirmed".
2. Recommendations based on analysis of the results of the Survey include:
"A structured, interdepartmental, basic intelligence program
should be continued".
"The present commitment of resources of USIB agencies to the
NIS should be generally maintained. Some specialized units of
limited interest may no longer require NIS publication and
disseminations (This recommendation is in the process of im-
plementation under USIB-D-51. 1/20 dated 19 May 1972)
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Approved For Release 1999/09/20 : CIA-RDP78-05597A000200010042-8
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"The General Survey should be: .....
"Refocused to deemphasize transient and perishable
aspects and to stress distinctive characteristics,
themes, and trends".
"Published in a 'separate-unit' format (each topical
unit having its own cover within a binder). Scheduling
by unit rather than Survey would not be attempted
on a broad basis until all areas have 'separate-unit'
coverage (i. e. , in about 3 years). Single-unit main-
tenance would thenceforth be based on continuing
validity of content, relative importance to national
security interest, age (all units would be maintained
at least every 4 years), and producer capabilities".
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Approved For Release 1999/09/20 : CIA-RDP78-05597A000200010042-8