Greetings! It is my pleasure to welcome you to AALLNET, the official Web site of the American Association of Law Libraries. Whether you are a member or a visitor to our site, you will discover a wealth of information not only about the workings of our Association, but also about the important, varied and far-ranging contributions that our talented, dedicated and enthusiastic colleagues make to law librarianship and the legal profession. Working individually and through our special interest sections, chapters and committees, AALL members truly make a difference.

AALL exists to promote and enhance the value of law libraries to the public, the legal community, and the world; to foster the profession of law librarianship; and to provide leadership in the field of legal information policy, recognizing that the availability of legal information to all people is a necessary requirement for a just and democratic society. Our members can be found in law schools, federal and state courts, law firms, corporations, the legal information industry and serving as independent contractors. In addition to managing increasingly complex collections of print and electronic information, our members are frequently seen in the classroom or leading information technology departments. Law librarians' unique combination of education, experience and expertise make them uniquely qualified to provide leadership in the arena of national and international information policy. We are called many things: professor, law librarian, legal information professional, but we share the common bond of serving critical information needs and adding value to our institutions.

The theme for the 2005 Annual Meeting, to be held in San Antonio, Texas, is Strategize! Values Visions Vistas. Regardless of institutional affiliation, law librarians face the challenge of coping with the effects of constant change. Success in the future requires that we develop our ability to think and act strategically to anticipate change and lead in the face of that change. Effective leadership and strategic thinking require updated knowledge and skills. Our premier educational event, the Annual Meeting, will provide members with the opportunity to learn from outside experts as well as from one another. This gathering is also an opportunity to celebrate our achievements and, of course, to socialize. It promises to be a very exciting meeting-please join us!

The American Association of Law Libraries owes its success to the many members who are dedicated to furthering the profession of law librarianship and who do so through their creative and sustained contributions. It is a distinct pleasure and honor for me to lead this Association of talented and dedicated professionals during the next year.