HSPD: Will the NPS Use It? The limited objective of the HSPD System was to enhance preservation maintenance activities in the national parks by facilitating the generation of work orders. By describing appropriate responses (in terms of tasks and materials) to specific maintenance problems, the HSPD does have the potential to contribute to the resolution of routine maintenance deficiencies in the NPS. By virtue of this (albeit limited) application, the climate for acceptance of computer related technologies and tools into the operations mainstream of the National Park Service could be significantly enhanced with the widespread promotion of the HSPD by NPS administrators. A concerted effort by the NPS will be required to systematically test the system. No matter what the attributes or potential of a preservation information system, if the user group fails to assimilate it as an integral component of their work, then it fails in its objectives and is devoid of practical value. Unfortunately, it seems that the viability of the HSPD System as a National Park Service management tool is unlikely to be adequately or accurately tested. The system does not have the management mandate nor the funding support necessary for implementation, and as a consequence, it is virtually moribund (Randall Biallis: oral communication 06/07/89). System usage is limited in scope and isolated to a few individual professionals within the NPS who understand the potential that such technologies and data management strategies hold for enhancing decision processes (Billy Garrett: oral communication 04/13/89). Such NPS users often become technological pioneers by necessity rather than nature. They are conscientious and resourceful professionals overwhelmed by the magnitude of management crises and the absence of adequate funding or personnel to effectively protect the resources in their care. These lamentable circumstances make these professionals especially receptive to new strategies and tools that demonstrate any promise of assisting them in their Herculean tasks. Under the myopic vision of those who shape current NPS policy and determine the allocation of program funding and personnel, it appears unlikely that any significant changes will be forthcoming in what is a decidedly unfavorable climate for concerted efforts to enhance cultural resource management processes through technological transfer and adaptation. HSPD: Objectives HSPD: Summary HSPD: Utility