As I think back over the years that I have been reading TSLL, I realize that there have been plenty of issues discussed, topics considered, and significant changes made in our lives as a result of what we have said to each other and what has been reported through this column.

After reading Joann Hounshell’s last Acquisitions article, I think we can all also realize that there is a lot more diverse communication going on in our lives than in years past. She spoke of the change e-mail has had on our lives (TSLL, v. 25, no. 4, June 2000, p.9), but I think the change reaches farther than just e-mail. I think of how CRIV and the CRIV Sheet have evolved over the past years, from the forum for complaining about publishers to a progressive means of communicating the needs of Law Libraries to the publishers. I think of how we are doing electronic ordering, going to publisher Web sites before the paper catalogs. I also think of how, at least in our library, we have essentially replaced searching "Books In Print" to favor "Amazon.Com" for book information.

Technology has certainly taken over in our libraries and in our lives in general. Consequently, it is imperative that we continue in our own education and in our ability to adapt to new and ever changing technology.

During the past AALL Conference, TS and Acquisitions people were actively involved in a variety of programs and workshops. Carmen Brigandi did a wonderful job putting together the workshop on License Negotiation. Considering the weather, and the fact that some of the speakers did not arrive until 4:00 on the morning of the workshop, Carmen held up magnificently, and the workshop was very well received. Recognition should also go to the people who participated in other programs and workshops, not only those who put them together, but to each of us who participated. Thank you to Janice Snyder Anderson, Pam Bluh, Cecily Giardina, Joyce Manna Janto, Kristina Kuhlmann, Joan Liu, Anne Myers, Rob Richards, and many others both in and outside of TS-SIS and Acquisitions who made the many programs so successful.

I also feel that special recognition should be given to two acquisitions people. First, congratulations to Anna Belle Leiserson on receipt of the Renee D. Chapman Award for her work with AcqWeb. Recognition should also be given to Margie Axtmann for her excellent work this year leading AALL. Both Anna Belle and Margie show the potential that all of us can strive toward.

Finally, Dick Vaughan and I are open to suggestions from you for direction on this column, but we need your support. He and I agreed to write this column with the understanding that you will be part of it. Please send or e-mail us thoughts or articles, so that they can be included in future Acquisitions Columns.

Take care, and I hope you find your work to be ever rewarding.