Resolved: to be the best. (In focus: a message from the editors).

Here we are again at the start of a new year. This is the time when many of us become introspective. We examine our goals for the future -- where do we want to be next year at this time? Three years from now? Ten years from now?

Those are the same questions the editors asked when planning this issue of The Information Management Journal. What is the visible future for records and information management in a business climate that is changing in ways many of us had not anticipated? World events, market downturns, all have taken a short-term toll that will change our personal and professional lives forever.

For organizations to win in such a dynamic and competitive business environment, demands that every department and every program must contribute to the organization's ability to generate revenue and increase market share. Thus, to remain viable, RIM programs and professionals must contribute to the organization's competitive edge.

Some RIM professionals may find this an uncomfortable position and shift in perspective, particularly since most have not considered themselves or their programs as competitive or strategic elements. But it's a changing world, and our role as RIM professionals will change as well.

This issue's feature' articles offer insight into the skills, knowledge, and perspectives RIM professionals will need to continue to thrive in the increasingly competitive business world. It starts with an overview of "The Evolving Information World," offered here by Larry Eiring, CRM. In "The IM Building Blocks," Rob Meagher looks at the core skills that most RIM professionals currently have and the skills they need to develop in order to become competitive and strategic assets to their organizations. This leads into Sue Myburgh's "Strategic Information Management: Understanding a New Reality." Finally, three professionals who have advanced to the next level of their careers are profiled in "Leap of Faith."

As you will see from the table of contents, this issue includes several new sections and departments. For example, you will find articles focused on professional development, technology trends, and legal issues, as well as the global market. In addition to the ever-popular In Review, each issue will contain three new departments:

* Up Front examines news and trends

* Capital Edge provides an update on noteworthy legislative and regulatory activities

* Market Place keeps you informed of new RIM-related products and services

These format changes mark the next phase of the Journal's growth. And to top it all off, the Journal will now publish six times a year. We are excited about this next generation of the Journal and the role it will play in the further education and advancement of our readers and the RIM profession.

Here's to the future!