The Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum published various titles before coming under Smithsonian control. These publications were generally used to document aspects of the collection and exhibitions the Museum prepared, just as they are at present. Apparently the first editor to be appointed after the Museum's attachment to the Smithsonian was Brenda Gilchrist, who served from 1976 to 1980. After a vacancy in 1981 Nancy Aakre served as editor, 1982-1995, followed by another vacancy, and the appointment of Patty O'Connell, 1999- .