Before I agreed to become the column editor for Collection Development, I asked about the scope and length of the column. "Whatever you want," Joe said.

Now what could be better than that? After years of having collection development as only one component of my job, I now have a position devoted to developing a new collection. My work takes me back to the fundamentals of collection development, but it also keeps me on the cutting edge. I've always known that the literature on collection development in law libraries is sparse, but it is discouraging just how little is written about how we create policies, select material, manage our collections, create and monitor budgets, and incorporate new formats and technologies. I have burning questions, and there are few places to turn for answers.

My colleagues have always been the best source of help for me, generous with their time and willing to share ideas and information. So this is a column for all of us, a chance to discuss any and all aspects of collection development in law libraries.

I can and will write about the collection development topics that interest me. But I'd also like to write about the things that interest the TSLL readers. What are your burning questions about collection development? If you want to write about them, I'm very open to the idea of guest columnists. If you want me to write about them, send me your ideas. If you've tackled a problem and found a solution, contribute your expertise. Call (651-962-4868) or e-mail [to] mmaxtmann@stthomas.edu or talk to me at the AALL meeting in Orlando.