In keeping with the Pooh theme (from last time), I would like to present another phrase: "Bouncing is what Tiggers do best!" If you know the Pooh stories, you know that there are a lot of things Tiggers either "do" or at least like "best" (swimming, eating cake, climbing trees, etc.). In this line of thought, I think it is fair to say that technical services librarians are not totally unlike that. When we look at the variety of responsibilities in our work lives, and the mastery we give to them, we can rightfully say that whether it is cataloging, acquisitions, book repair, serials ordering and processing, Web page creation and maintenance or whatever else we are doing, we are the best. (At the very least, we certainly do a commendable job of eating cake.)

Being the "best" means being able to learn and grow, and so, in that light, I am pleased to make a few announcements. The TS/SIS Home Page is up and running! If you have not had a chance to visit our Web site, please do so. The URL is

http://www.aallnet.org/sis/tssis/tssis.htm

or you can access it through AALLNET. This is a very exciting project, so be sure to look in.

It is time to begin thinking about Baltimore! The following programs were accepted for the 1997 AALL Conference in Baltimore:

"International Legal Regimes and JZ/KZ: Shifting International Boundaries and the New Library of Congress Classification Schedules" by Jolande Goldberg. This two part program is also being sponsored by FCIL/SIS.

"A-Z of E-journals: Selection, Acquisition, Cataloging ..." by Angelina Joseph.

"International Law: Monographs and Serials: Vendors and Sources" by Lisa Arm.

"Better than Bookmarks: Representing Internet Resources" by Beth Holmes.

While not all of the program and workshop proposals were accepted by the AALL Education Committee, I am pleased with the choices they made and hope that we can further develop and resubmit the others for Anaheim.

Speaking of Anaheim, please remember that we want to avoid a last minute rush on program proposals. Therefore, I strongly urge you to think about program ideas and send them to Rhonda Lawrence by February. By getting ideas in early, we can work with you to make them as good as possible.

The Exchange of Duplicates Committee chair has been filled by Felice Lowell. Thank you, Felice, for stepping in again to take an active leadership position with this committee.

The Nominations Committee is being chaired this year by Jack Montgomery. Please give him a call if you would like to serve on the board, or if you would like to nominate someone to a position in TS/SIS.

Regina Wallen is the Chair of the Awards Committee this year. If you have any nominations for the Renee D. Chapman Award for Outstanding Contributions in Technical Services Law Librarianship, or if you would like to serve on the Awards Committee, please contact her.

Leonette Williams has sent out the annual membership survey and is compiling statistics even as you read this. We have found that the information gathered from the survey is very helpful, not only in setting up programs and determining direction for the SIS, but also for finding people who are willing to serve on boards or committees. So, take a few minutes to fill it out and send it back. If you did not receive your survey, or if you need another one, please feel free to contact Leonette.

Finally, on a sad note, I wish to extend my sympathies as well as those of TS/SIS to Mike Petit on the loss of his wife, Mary Cross. It is always difficult to lose a loved one, and so I would ask that you remember Mike in your thoughts and prayers.

What do you do "best?" I encourage you to take a few minutes and think about this. Is your specialty in cataloging, acquisitions, serials, binding, book repair, or computers? Or are you best in other areas? Do you have expertise you like to share, or would you like to learn more so as to continue being the best? TS/SIS is a vibrant support network, striving to help you as you continue to grow in your professional life!