We at the Carl Albert Center are pleased to assume editorship of the LSS Newsletter with this, the first of eight issues for which we will be responsible over the next four years. Although I am listed as the editor, this will be a joint venture among myself, Gary Copeland, and Allen Hertzke as co-editors, my assistant LaDonna Sullivan as managing editor, and Kellye Walker who provides secretarial support. Graduate and undergraduate students are also contributing book reviews and research assistance. Burdett Loomis will continue to edit "Extension of Remarks." A former Carl Albert Fellow, Jon Mott, will provide technical support for our effort to move the LSS Newsletter online via H-Net. 

We plan to maintain the basic format of the Newsletter as it has been developed over the years, most recently by the fine work of Keith Hamm. We believe that the next logical step is to develop a Home Page for the section that would include a link to the Newsletter, wholly or in part. Over time, we hope to work consultatively with the LSS board and membership to determine how best to use internet technology to serve the needs of LSS members. Although the Newsletter has been passed on to us free of debt, its revenues and dues supplement are insufficient to cover the cost of publishing the hard copy at its current scope and given the size of the membership. While the Center expects to be able to cover any shortages in the next few years, we think that it is important to develop the Newsletter in a way that is cost effective no matter who is editing it. 

As these projects continue, we welcome comment and suggestions from the membership. Please do feel free to contact me by e-mail: rpeters@ou.edu.