The American Institute of Physics is a membership corporation founded in New York in 1931 for the purpose of promoting the advancement and diffusion of the knowledge of physics and its application to human welfare. At the time of its incorporation, the AIP comprised nearly five societies, which doubled by the 1960s. The total membership of the nearly 15 member societies is more than 100,000. AIP publishes journals on behalf of its member societies. Its most widely read publication, Physics Today, was inaugurated in 1948. The establishment of a book program in 1984, the AIP Press, marked a start to publish books. Services that the American Institute of Physics offers include career placement, programs for media and public information, the compilation of educational and employment statistics, support of physics education and the collection of books, manuscripts and audiovisual materials.