On Behalf Of the CILIP Rare Books and Special Collections Group Committee we are delighted to have been able to support the production of a third edition of the Directory which plays such a significant role in identifying the many and varied special collections held in institutions throughout the UK. The Directory illustrates the changes and additions to many of the collections that have taken place in the 18 years since the previous edition was published. Facet Publishing's willingness to produce a third edition testifies to the continued widespread interest in the UK's special collections. We trust that this updated edition will be as essential a research tool as its predecessors, and see its success as a reflection of the dedication and commitment that its editor Karen Attar has given to its production over the past months.