Introductions

Library Journal's Buyer's Guide is now The Gold Book! We've renamed and revamped the look, feel, and format of the oldest sourcebook in the industry—at a venerable 33 years old—and moved its publication date to ship with the August issue of Library Journal.

In addition to the valuable purchasing information, you can still find all the contacts you need for every aspect of the profession. Get contact and conference dates for key international, national, and state associations; browse educational opportunities in our listing of the 56 American Library Association—accredited library schools in the United States and Canada; and use our listing of library-friendly architects for your construction or renovation project.

Instead of an alphabetical listing of companies with a product and materials index, we've organized The Gold Book into six major categories with subcategories in each section. We hope that this new format makes it easier for you to find the systems, services, products, and equipment that you're looking for in the development and continued success of your library. Remember, all this information is also available at the online Gold Book directory, where you can search by category or company.

Also, be sure to check out the debut of the "Gold Book Service Awards" (p. 6) where we highlight ten vendors (nominated by librarians) who provide excellent service with a special touch.