Introduction

The topic of this publication drew a great deal of interest from librarians across the U.S.; I received over 150 abstracts for consideration. As I learned that there would be a significant time delay before the volume would be published, I mostly eliminated technologically oriented topics, knowing that what was relevant in 1999-2000 would no longer be cutting edge when the publication came out. What remained, though, was a great sample of perennial issues in reference librarianship, those timeless topics that recur through the years and demand our attention. I am particularly pleased with the quality of the articles in this publication. The authors worked through various drafts with great diligence, and I do hope that you, too, are pleased with the result.