Notes for Notes

This issue marks my first as editor of the journal. The transition between editors has been a smooth one, due no doubt to the vast organizational abilities, and the close attention to detail that the immediate past editor, Linda Solow Blotner, brought to these pages. We owe Linda a great debt of gratitude for the style and elegance she brought to our journal over the past four years. Nonetheless, as with any transition, a certain amount of change is inherent. In future issues, look for the inauguration of a video review column to be edited by Leslie Andersen. This annual column will make its first appearance in the March 2005 issue (vol. 61, no. 3). In consultation with the other Notes editors, the frequency of some of our columns will change over the next year. Because of the need for timeliness of reviews of digital media, as well as the lack of pertinent review sources for musical digital media, this column, edited by Alec McLane, will continue to appear in every issue. In order to accommodate the new video review column, the sound recordings column, edited by Rick Anderson, will appear twice a year, in the December and June issues. We will begin this transition with the current volume, so that with volume 62 (2005-6) the new configuration of columns will be complete. No matter the extent of the change, our readers will still find within these pages information pertinent to the field, and to the profession. Of course, transitions also bring about the need to say farewell to devoted members of the Notes staff. With this issue, Brad Short completes his term as compiler of our annual music price index column. With the untimely passing of Calvin Elliker, previous compiler of the column, Brad stepped in without hesitation to continue presenting this important information to our readers. We will miss Brad's vital contribution to the journal, and will announce his successor in a future issue. Also with this issue, David Gilbert completes his term as editor of the "Book Reviews" column. As with his illustrious predecessors, David has put his own stamp on this column, and has provided the readership with elegant reviews of our most important literature. We will miss David's keen eye, eloquent voice, and the careful thought he put into his work for the journal. With the March 2005 issue, Philip Vandermeer will take up the reins of editing the book reviews for our journal. We know that he will carry on the long-standing tradition of Notes reviewing, and we look forward to working with him for many years to come.

Notes is pleased to announce the appointment of a new assistant editor. Martin D. Jenkins, Music and Humanities Librarian at Wright State University, has been appointed as the new assistant editor for electronic vendors for the journal. In this crucial position, Marty will, in consultation with the Notes editor and the MLA business office, oversee the association's contracts with the various electronic vendors of our journal, including, but not limited to, quality control issues, electronic format supplied to the vendors, timeliness and format of postings, monitoring of royalty statements (in conjunction with the treasurer/executive secretary), and negotiations of new contracts (this last in consultation with the Notes editor, the business office and the chair of the Publications Committee). This position keeps the Notes editor and MLA business office informed of all issues that surround and affect the electronic transmission of the journal, including any copyright violations that may result from said transmission. We are excited that Marty has agreed to take on this responsibility for the journal, and know that he will do an excellent job for us. He will continue to produce the journal's annual index until a suitable replacement can be found.

The Music Library Association has received a grant of $379,000 from the Mellon Foundation to support the development of the database entitled Index to Printed Music: Collections and Series (IPM). This three-year grant will enable the project to complete the...