Session 1: Inteviewee recalls his arrival at the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) in 1951, by invitation from Edward Condon. Branscomb also discusses his work with Lauriston Taylor, radiometric calibration research, Herb Broida's free radical project, and his Rockefeller Public Service Award. Branscomb reveals the important efforts of NBS during his tenure: contribution to data analysis, analysis of properties of matter and materials and the dissemination of that information out to the technical public. Branscomb also talks about the Bureau of the 1950s as a unique research environment for the nation, and the integrity of the institute under Allen Astin.

Session 2: Interviewee recalls the history of the Joint Institute for Laboratory Astrophysics (JILA) in Boulder, Colorado; his years as editor of "Reviews of Modern Physics"; his interest in scientific and technical information; and the creation of the Committee on Data for Science and Technology (CODATA). Branscomb also talks about the retirement of Allen Astin and how he was appointed Director of the Bureau. He recalls his association with Maurice Stans and Pete Peterson, his efforts to increase the budget for the Bureau, the organization of the Bureau into smaller institutes and the individuals he chose to lead these teams, and his creation of the Precision Measurement Grants Progam.

Session 3: Interviewee recalls the role of the Office of Naval Research (ONR) at the Bureau in the 1950s, the international aspects of the Bureau's programs, and air pollution research. Branscomb also discusses the Bureau's constituency, the Rockefeller Public Service Award, and his hiring of Ed Condon while head of JILA.