Smithsonian officials have also been frustrated by errors on Amanda's Web site.

Smithsonian officials said Samper's administrative experience proved critical in his appointment.

Smithsonian officials said the vote on the site was not unanimous but would not give details.

It is expected, Smithsonian officials said, that the director will be an American Indian.

Smithsonian officials estimate that it will take a total of $2.3 billion over the next nine years to solve the most pressing problems.

Smithsonian officials concede that they are partly to blame for the advanced state of disrepair.

Smithsonian officials said they could not recall any previous layoffs at the institution.

Smithsonian officials are not very optimistic about the chances that next week's speaker, will be able to obtain a travel permit.

"That was certainly a vote of no confidence," said one Smithsonian official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Smithsonian officials said they always welcomed comments on how they would present history.