In the past year, I initiated communication with the alumni of the School of Library Service to explore interest in the revitalization of the SLS Alumni Association. I am pleased to report that you and other SLS alumni have responded positively to my letters, invitations, and e-mails. The overwhelming response is in support of establishing a new SLS Alumni Association. From the survey results and my meetings with many SLS graduates, I believe the primary objectives of the SLS Alumni Association are to promote communication among the SLS graduates, create opportunities for professional growth, and reconnect SLS graduates with Columbia.

The SLS alumni Web site is one of our first efforts to reconnect SLS graduates with one other, the Libraries at Columbia, and the University. I invite you to visit this Web site frequently to learn about events for SLS alumni and other events offered by the Friends of the Columbia Libraries.

I am also pleased to introduce the Columbia's Libraries Alumni and Friends Gateway (http://www.alumni.libraries.columbia.edu/index.html). Through this Web site, we invite you and all graduates of Columbia University to explore and use our vast collections, including special databases of electronic resources.

I very much look forward to hearing from you and seeing you at future SLS Alumni Association events. We welcome your comments and suggestions.

James G. Neal Vice President for Information Services and University Librarian Columbia School of Library Service (1973 and 1976)